Manchester City handed significant injury boost ahead of Chelsea FA Cup clash

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have been handed an important boost ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League champions, who beat Graham Potter’s side in the league at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening, face the West London outfit once again this weekend.

Sunday’s fixture at the Etihad Stadium will be the third meeting of the season between the 2021 UEFA Champions League finalists, with City having won in the week and prior to the FIFA World Cup in the Carabao Cup.

Riyad Mahrez has scored in both victories, as the Algerian’s 63rd minute goal proved the difference at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

The 31 year-old linked up smartly with Jack Grealish, as the double change paid off for Pep Guardiola.

Chelsea visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, looking to avoid a fifth successive loss against the Sky Blues.

The West London club risk being dumped out of both domestic competitions by the Premier League Champions, as City bid to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2019.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash, Pep Guardiola has been handed a welcome boost, with defender Aymeric Laporte returning first-team training.

The Spaniard missed Thursday’s win over Chelsea and the draw with Everton due to injury.

Fellow Spain international Rodri was also pictured in training on Friday after being replaced by Kalvin Phillips late into the match against Chelsea.