Savinho and Nico Gonzalez will not be part of Manchester City’s squad for the match against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
Manager Pep Guardiola has made three changes to the starting lineup following a midweek draw with Sunderland, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri making his first start in three months. City is eager to get back to winning ways after a frustrating result in the east Midlands.
On Saturday evening, Arsenal managed to fend off a determined Bournemouth challenge, maintaining their impressive form and extending their lead over City to seven points. Aston Villa also triumphed over Nottingham Forest, moving into second place in the Premier League standings.
After their winning streak was interrupted by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, Manchester City is looking to reduce Arsenal’s lead back to four points as they face a Chelsea side that has recently parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca.
As we approach the 17:30 UK kick-off on Sunday between City and Chelsea, it has been confirmed that both Savinho and Nico Gonzalez will miss the home matchday squad due to injuries.
According to Manchester City’s official channels, Savinho is sidelined due to injury, along with Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic, while Gonzalez and John Stones are not fully fit to participate against the west London visitors.
Gonzalez has stepped up in midfield during Rodri’s injury setbacks and has proven to be a reliable replacement for the 29-year-old. This comes as Manchester City seeks to bounce back strongly after an early season dip, looking to finish 2025 on a high note.
The 2025 January signing from Porto was substituted at halftime against Sunderland, allowing Rodri to gain some match fitness for his upcoming full start against Chelsea.
Savinho also picked up an injury in the match against Sunderland, providing an opportunity for Jeremy Doku to come off the bench and make his return after missing the latter half of December 2025 due to injury.
With the opening of the January transfer window, speculation around Savinho’s future has resurfaced. He attracted significant interest from Tottenham last summer and has expressed openness to a move to north London amid uncertainties regarding his role at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City hopes to keep the Brazilian winger beyond January, having secured him on an improved long-term deal in October 2025. However, the expected arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in the coming weeks could create a pathway for a potential exit.
City cannot afford to drop more points as they vie with a strong Arsenal side for what would be their fifth Premier League title in six seasons if they can once again edge out the Gunners by summer.