Premier League leaders Chelsea could be without midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Filipe Luis for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
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Both came off during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory in the Capital One (League) Cup semifinal second leg against Liverpool on Tuesday, while Branislav Ivanovic, who headed the winner in extra-time, is also a doubt with a cut foot.
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“Branislav could finish the game, Fabregas and Filipe couldn’t,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explained.
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“Filipe has a calf problem, Fabregas has a hamstring.”
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Mourinho added that Fabregas “said he wasn’t yet injured but that he would be soon if he continued” but was uncertain whether he would be available for Saturday’s game.
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Fabregas was replaced by Ramires five minutes into the second half, while Filipe Luis limped off after 78 minutes and was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.
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Chelsea’s victory in a thrilling blood-and-thunder game went some way to alleviating their embarrassing 4-2 home defeat to third tier Bradford City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
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Tuesday’s win over Liverpool gave them a 2-1 aggregate success and they will now meet either Tottenham Hotspur or Sheffield United in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 1.
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