Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Manchester City

The Blues continue to be inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino, following four-goal defeats against Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers by scoring three goals in victories at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

Although the EFL Cup final is on the horizon, Chelsea head into this contest sitting in 10th position in the standings and eager to further close the gap on the top seven.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their trip to the North-West to face the defending champions.

Thiago Silva

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: February 17 (vs. Man City)

Thiago Silva was forced off with a groin issue on the hour-mark against Palace on Monday. Although Chelsea are yet to provide an update, it is highly unlikely that the veteran Brazilian will be available on Saturday.

Wesley Fofana

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this term due to a serious knee injury and the defender is unlikely to return before next season.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Lesley Ugochukwu sustained a hamstring injury in the loss to Wolves on Christmas Eve and the midfielder has since been ruled out until at least the end of the month.

Robert Sanchez

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: February 17 (vs. Man City)

Robert Sanchez is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury and is pushing towards returning to the substitutes' bench in due course.

Marc Cucurella

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Marc Cucurella was another victim of that defeat to Everton, sustaining an ankle injury which required surgery, and the left-back is not expected to return until March at the earliest.

Reece James

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Reece James underwent hamstring surgery just before Christmas and the Chelsea captain is facing a race against time to be fit before the end of the season.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia's long-awaited return to the Chelsea side following a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury was cut short by a thigh problem, and it remains to be seen when the midfielder will return to the first-team fold, Pochettino already acknowledging that it will not be during February.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Out

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: Unknown

Benoit Badiashile was forced off during the closing stages against Aston Villa on February 7 with a groin injury. According to reports, the Frenchman will spend a month on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out until the middle of March.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no suspended players for this match.