Erling Haaland has been left out of the squad for Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Saturday.
The Norway international called for a drop in Manchester City's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, with manager Pep Guardiola confirming in his pre-match press conference that Haaland's availability against Chelsea was in doubt. Pep Guardiola, who has now submitted his own team, has completely ruled out Haaland, with Guardiola confirming that the Norwegian striker has been struggling with fitness issues and that the 23-year-old is clearly not ready to face Mauricio Pochettino's side.
In his position, Manchester City will count on Argentina international Julián Alvarez to score goals. The 24-year-old is third on City's scoring charts this season with eight good shots, behind only Phil Foden (14) and Erling Haaland (20). However, Alvarez has found a new midfield role behind Haaland and has indeed led City in assists this year.
Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji both joined Haaland in asking to withdraw against Madrid, but both remained in the starting line-up against Chelsea. Chelsea welcomed Enzo Fernandez back from injury, with the Argentina international returning straight to the starting line-up, while Axel Disasi was fit enough to be on the bench. Former Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who has struggled with illness of late, has also earned a place on the bench at Chelsea.
Confirm the starting lineup
City eleven: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Foden, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Grealish, Alvarez
Chelsea eleven: Petrovic, Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Marduke, Jackson