Man City to miss 2 key players for Chelsea game; 3 January transfers to come in | OneFootball

Chelsea know they’re likely to be without a few players for tomorrow’s game against Manchester City, but their opposition are going to be weakened too.

Pep Guardiola has just taken his pre-match press conference ahead of the game and declared that central defender Ruben Dias and winger Jeremy Doku are both out for the game.

That’s their most effective and direct wide player and their central defensive rock ruled out. City have had enough defensive problems this season with Dias in the team, they could really be in trouble without him. Now it’s up to Enzo Maresca to work out how best to take advantage of those weaknesses.

With Doku out, the prospect of Reece James being able to maraud forward down his side and pin City back without worrying about the Belgian’s pace and dribbling skill is very tempting. Meanwhile City will be missing their most vocal presence in the back line, and Nicolas Jackson should be primed to target their less confident and capable options replacing Dias.

Pep has some new toys to play with, however

Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola meet again on the pitch in preseason.

Replacing those missing players are a couple of the Sky Blues’ new signings – defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis will both be going straight into the squad, as well as attacker Omar Marmoush.

While defenders may take a little longer to settle in and grow comfortable in Pep’s system, Marmoush should be a threat right off the bat. He’s been one of the most in-form players in Europe this season, and his speed and finishing should be a real weapon even with just a few days training with City under his belt.

A Chelsea team lacking in central midfield could be in for a serious battle tomorrow evening, and we can’t wait to see it.