Unlike the Blues, City have not endured a chaotic start to 2022 with just two games having been scheduled for the opening 14 days of the year, the second of which took place on Friday as City breezed past Swindon Town in the FA Cup.

However, while Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko should return from coronavirus ahead of this contest, the participation of manager Pep Guardiola and several other players remains very much in doubt for the same reasons.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Man City's injury and suspension news ahead of the showdown with one of their title rivals.

John Stones

John Stones in action for Man City on February 7, 2021 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Fitness
Possible return date: January 15 (vs. Chelsea)

Stones has been struggling to hit full fitness in recent weeks and was not involved against Swindon. However, with another week to prepare for this contest, the Englishman may return to the substitutes' bench

Fernandinho

Manchester City's Fernandinho pictured on December 1, 2021 © Reuters

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: January 15 (vs. Chelsea)

Fernandinho was one of the notable absentees from the squad to face Swindon. While there has been no confirmation, it is assumed that the veteran Brazilian is one of the players to have tested positive before the game versus the League Two outfit.

Jack Grealish

Manchester City's Phil Foden and Jack Grealish during the warm up on December 4, 2021 © Reuters

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: January 15 (vs. Chelsea)

Grealish falls into the same bracket as the above. However, like Fernandinho, two negative tests in the days before the Chelsea game may allow him to feature.

Raheem Sterling

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: January 15 (vs. Chelsea)

Like Fernandinho and Grealish, it is assumed that Sterling tested positive for coronavirus at the same time as his teammates, but there has been no confirmation.