Man City vs Chelsea: Frank Lampard reveals fresh injury concern and rules out seven players

Frank Lampard has revealed Benoit Badiashile has picked up a groin injury that will rule him out of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.

The defender, who has started the last two matches for Chelsea, sustained a knock during the week that will prevent him from playing at the Etihad this weekend.

He’s one of seven players Lampard named on Friday, when asked for the latest injury news. "We’re pretty much similar to where we have been recently,” said the former Chelsea and City midfielder. “Mason [Mount], Reece [James], Chilly [Ben Chilwell], N’Golo [Kante] and Marc Cucurella are not fit.

"Kouli [Kalidou Koulibaly] has been training this week but is not ready for a game like this. He is ahead of schedule, to be fair. Benoit injured his groin in training two days ago and will miss the game. We are assessing that as we speak."

Lampard also forgot to mention Matteo Kovacic, a player who held talks with City last month over a possible summer transfer. The ex-Real Madrid man picked up an injury in last weekend’s draw against Nottingham Forest and is not expected to be involved on Sunday. Armando Broja is also out with a long-term knee issue.

Despite that, Lampard has no shortage of options for Sunday’s game and named a team against Forst that featured Wesley Fofana, Cesar Azpilicueta, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz on the bench.

A victory for City this weekend will also see them claim a third consecutive Premier League crown, although if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday the title could be sewn up before a ball is kicked at the Etihad.