Early team news: Erling Haaland absent for Manchester City vs Chelsea (Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final)

Manchester City face Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, bidding to bounce back from Wednesday’s exit from the UEFA Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a penalty shoot-out loss at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, crushing Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League and treble retention hopes following a 4-4 draw on aggregate.

Real Madrid progressed to the semi-finals with a 3-4 win on penalties, with both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missing spot kicks for the Sky Blues.

Manchester City could still win two further trophies this season, with the Cityzens in a commanding position to win a fourth successive Premier League title, after moving two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool last weekend.

The Blues could also win a second consecutive FA Cup, facing Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, with either Manchester United or Coventry City awaiting the winners in the Final next month.

City have beaten Huddersfield Town, Tottenham, Luton Town and Newcastle United to reach the last-four of the FA Cup, although the holders have failed to beat Chelsea in both Premier League meetings this season.

Rodri rescued a point in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad in February, meanwhile Cole Palmer scored a last-gasp penalty during a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in November.

Ahead of the release of official team news from Wembley Stadium, sources on social media have began offering insights into Pep Guardiola’s selection for the semi-final clash with Chelsea.

According to the information of reputable X user ‘FPL Maine Road’, Erling Haaland is absent from the matchday squad for Manchester City’s semi-final clash with Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, with the 23-year-old withdrawn during extra-time at the Etihad in midweek.

Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino are expected to release their confirmed Manchester City and Chelsea starting line-ups from 16:15 (UK).

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