Chelsea duo Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling in contention to face Manchester City in FA Cup semi-final
As per Evening Standard, Chelsea have been handed a double injury boost as Raheem Sterling and Axel Disais were pictured in training ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City on Saturday in Wembley.
Levi Colwill’s potential inclusion against Manchester City hinges on a late fitness evaluation following his toe injury in February. Despite missing 10 players in their recent demolition of Everton, the Blues received a boost with the news of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi’s improved fitness, offering Mauricio Pochettino additional options for the upcoming semifinal clash.
Additionally, Chelsea may benefit from City’s exertions in their Champions League quarterfinal, which went to penalties against Real Madrid, potentially giving the Blues a competitive edge.
Additionally, the Champions League setback will not give City players much time to recover, something the Blues should take benefit of before the game. In the two Premier League matches against City, Disasi was outstanding, while Sterling has always raised his game against his old team.
Pochettino may decide to start Thiago Silva and Disasi since we will have to contend with Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Sterling could be on the right, though the player may start the game on the bench after recuperating from food poisoning this week
The England international lost his starting place to Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, but given that the former hasn’t offered enough quality in the game, we can expect the 29-year-old restored in this high-intensity game.
Pochettino faces a significant challenge in determining the ideal starting lineup for the City clash, especially considering its importance. With the stakes high, careful consideration of each player’s form, fitness, and tactical suitability will be paramount. Every decision will need to be weighed meticulously to ensure the best possible chance of success in such a pivotal fixture.
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Pochettino has some flexibility in his lineup options, especially with the improved fitness levels of Colwill, Disasi, and Sterling. Given Colwill’s fitness concerns, Silva might indeed step in to bolster the defensive line. Pochettino’s ability to adapt and make strategic adjustments based on the available personnel will be crucial in this pivotal match against City.
