Football
9y

Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis doubts for Manchester City clash

Chelsea could be without Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

The pair had to be withdrawn during Chelsea's 1-0 victory in the Capital One Cup semifinal second leg against Liverpool on Tuesday, while Branislav Ivanovic, who scored the decisive goal, may also be a doubt after suffering a cut foot.

'Branislav could finish the game, Fabregas and Filipe couldn't," Mourinho said after the game. "Filipe was a calf problem, Fabregas was his hamstring."

Mourinho added that Fabregas "said he wasn't yet injured but that he would be soon if he continued" but was uncertain whether he would be available at the weekend.

He praised Ivanovic as a symbol of the desire his players showed.

"They gave everything," he said. "Ivanovic's boot should be put in the lobby of the Academy, so the kids can see a boot completely full of blood. His foot with the big cut and lots of stitches cannot go there, but the boot, which is white, is full of red blood and should go to the Academy, but that's just one example. They gave absolutely everything."

Chelsea had to play 120 minutes at Stamford Bridge in a week in which City, who are currently five points behind the league leaders, have been able to rest.

Asked about the impact of fatigue, Mourinho said: "I don't want to think about it. If we played two hours and lost I would be more worried. They are happy and when you are happy you can cope with fatigue."

Chelsea could also lose Diego Costa to suspension if the Football Association opts to charge the striker for two apparent stamps during the victory over Liverpool, but Mourinho has said the incidents were "absolutely accidental."

^ Back to Top ^