Overview
- Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane will take charge for Sunday’s Etihad trip following Enzo Maresca’s departure on New Year’s Day.
- Marc Cucurella returned to training on Friday, but McFarlane said a decision on his availability for Manchester City is still pending.
- Moises Caicedo is suspended for the match, and long-term absentees Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill remain out.
- Cucurella is Chelsea’s only natural left-back, increasing the selection challenge if he is not cleared to play.
- British media report Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior as the leading candidate to become Chelsea’s next manager, which the club has not confirmed.