Chelsea team news to face Man City: Potter could be without 10 stars for FA Cup tie as Mount, Sterling & Pulisic all likely absences

Chelsea are set to be without ten players for their FA Cup third round clash against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

After losing to Man City by a goal to nil at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in the Premier League, courtesy of a second half tap-in from Riyad Mahrez, Chelsea come head to head against the Sky Blues but this time at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City have already beaten Chelsea twice this season in all competitions and they will be aiming for a third and to dump them out of the FA Cup in the process.

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Pressure is piling on Chelsea’s squad, not only because of their form and results but due to the increasing injury problems.

Chelsea will continue to be without Reece James, Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante and Armando Broja.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell are both back in individual training but won’t be ready for the game as they first eye returns to full first-team training before they are available for selection again.

Edouard Mendy was in training this week in a bid to build on his match fitness following a shoulder injury. However, he suffered a setback and fractured his finger which saw him undergo surgery to prolong his absence.

The goalkeeper wrote on social media: “Unfortunately I had a surgery after an injury this week. I will work hard to get back stronger. Thanks to everyone for your messages.”

Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to continue in goal on Sunday afternoon.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to continue in goal on Sunday afternoon.

Mason Mount missed the league defeat to City on Thursday due to a knock in training. Potter revealed: “Mason got a kick yesterday (Wednesday) in training, again we’re hopeful for the weekend but it’s one of those things at the moment.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it (the injury problems) and I’d ideally not want to experience it here. But it is what it is, I have to just carry on.”

He is unlikely to be risked if he isn’t 100 percent due to the sheer number of absences in the Chelsea side. However, as Potter uttered, the Blues hope he is available.

Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic then added to the problems. Both came off in the first half with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively, and are likely to not be available for the cup tie.

Sterling underwent a scan on his hamstring and hopes to be back before January 21 to face Liverpool, while the extent of Pulisic’s injury is unknown ahead of Sunday’s encounter.