Early repeat of the Champions League final: Man City duo in John Stones and Laporte injured – Boost for Chelsea over the weekend?
Man City, on the other hand, have ended up off the early pace set by Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. A loss to Tottenham, combined with a 0-0 draw with Southampton, means that they sit on 10 points, and could find themselves 6 points away from the early runners should they lose to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
READ: Premier League: Man City vs Liverpool Match Preview
Chelsea handed early initiative with injury news
However, Chelsea have been handed a massive early boost in their aims to pull clear of Guardiola’s side just six games in. Although Thomas Tuchel is sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, he will have been buoyed by the news that Man City have injury concerns of their own.
These come in the form of defenders Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, both of whom picked up injuries while on international duty with Spain and England respectively. As per Mike McGrath of the Telegraph, neither player is set to be available for the next fortnight, which includes the trip to Chelsea, as well as games against Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool.
This means that Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are the only recognized senior defenders at Guardiola’s disposal. Could this be something Chelsea look to target with new signing Romelu Lukaku.
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