The Blues dealt City their first defeat of the season in December, but have since lost three times in the league to leave themselves in a three-way tussle with Manchester United and Arsenal for the final Champions League spot.

Indeed, Maurizio Sarri's side could find themselves outside the top four by the time they kick off on Sunday, despite returning to form with a 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town last time out.

Eden Hazard and new arrival Gonzalo Higuain both helped themselves to braces in that match but will come up against a much sterner test at the home of the champions.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest injury and suspension news for Chelsea ahead of Sunday's showdown.

CHELSEA'S INJURY LIST

Emerson Palmieri

Chelsea's Emerson Palmieri celebrates scoring against Liverpool in their EFL Cup clash on September 26, 2018 © Reuters

Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Knock
Possible return date: February 10

Emerson has picked up a knock ahead of this weekend's match but is expected to recover in time to be available for Sarri.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Callum Hudson-Odoi after Chelsea's FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday on January 27, 2019. © Reuters

Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Illness
Possible return date: February 10

Hudson-Odoi's hopes of being handed a rare Premier League start have been hit by illness, and the youngster will undergo a late test to determine whether he is ready for the trip to the Etihad.

Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill in action for Chelsea in pre-season on August 7, 2018 © Reuters

Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Back
Possible return date: February 10

Another player who would not have made Sarri's first-choice XI anyway, club captain Cahill is nonetheless a doubt due to a back problem and will undergo a late fitness test.

Marco van Ginkel

Marco van Ginkel during a Netherlands training session in March 2016 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Something of a forgotten man at Stamford Bridge, Van Ginkel remains Chelsea's only long-term injury absentee having damaged his ACL. The Dutchman's last appearance for the club came in September 2013.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no players suspended for this match.