Super Sunday team news: City’s defensive worry, United concern

Ian Watson

Check out all the Premier League team news, with Man City short of right-backs, while Man Utd are sweating on a key defender.

Manchester City v Southampton

Sunday 23 October 2016 (13:30) Etihad Stadium

Manchester City will be without both of their senior right-backs for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Southampton.

Pablo Zabaleta is out following the blow to the foot that forced him off at Barcelona in midweek while Bacary Sagna is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Captain Vincent Kompany, who briefly returned from a groin injury against Everton last week, could again be doubtful after being unable to feature at the Nou Camp. The fitness of midfielder Fabian Delph remains unclear after a muscle problem.

Manager Pep Guardiola will keep faith in goalkeeper Claudio Bravo despite his sending off in the Champions League defeat by Barca.

Jay Rodriguez Shane Long Southampton

Southampton striker Shane Long is out of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday night’s Europa League defeat at Inter Milan and although Saints have yet to discover the extent of the damage, he will not be available against City.

Full-backs Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett and Cedric Soares will be assessed after missing the trip to Milan. Nathan Redmond returns to the squad after being rested.

 

Chelsea v Manchester United

Sunday 23 October 2016 (16:00) Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will make a late decision over whether to field Willian following the death of his mother.

Midfielder Willian returned from compassionate leave on Thursday, while Oscar has also been away following a family bereavement, but defender John Terry could return after another full week of training following an ankle injury.

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas (thigh) and defender Branislav Ivanovic, who has a minor injury to an undisclosed muscle, are out, while defender Kurt Zouma is set to return to first-team training next week following his long-term knee injury.

Chris Smalling: Insists Rooney will still get games for Man Utd

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling will be assessed ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

The centre-back came off at half-time in Thursday’s Europa League victory over Fenerbahce due to what United have described as a minor muscular injury.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho on Thursday said playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was absent from the matchday squad for an eighth straight game, will be “ready very soon to play” having recovered from a thigh injury.