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Why Chelsea star Joao Felix was forced to pull out of squad for Man City clash

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Alamy Live News. 2S88NT2 Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League - Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca. Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Enzo Maresca was forced into making a late change to his Chelsea squad (Credits: Alamy Live News.)

Chelsea were forced to make a late change to their squad ahead of their Premier League game against Manchester City with Joao Felix forced to pull out.

The Portugal international looked set to feature against the champions but was afforded compassionate leave and has flown home following a family bereavement.

Felix has played only a bit part role so far this season following his return to Chelsea for his second spell at the club and has been linked with a loan move to AC Milan.

Maresca, meanwhile, has rallied around Pep Guardiola and said the struggling Manchester City boss needs support after a run of two wins in seven European games left City’s Champions League knockout phase hopes under threat.

Chelsea visit the champions who are fifth in the standings, trailing Maresca’s side in fourth by two points, after a dismal run in the lead-up to Christmas.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Joao Felix of Chelsea leaves the tunnel for a pitch inspection, while holding a match ball prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Joao Felix has been granted compassionate leave (Picture: Getty

City are yet to fully emerge from their surprise slump and a 4-2 defeat at Paris St Germain on Wednesday, when they squandered a two-goal lead, has left them outside of the Champions League’s playoff places with one-game of the league phase remaining.

‘Pep is strong enough in this kind of thing. But for sure, like any human being, he needs support in this moment, for the last eight or nine years, they were always on top,’ Maresca told reporters on Friday.

City are 25th in the Champions League standings and need to finish in the top 24 in order to keep their hopes alive. Guardiola has never failed to reach the competition’s knockout stage in his managerial career.

Maresca said that Chelsea will find it difficult to beat City, despite their poor form. Maresca’s side have also suffered a slump and have one win in their last six league games, compared to City’s three.

‘With this club and these players, when they are in a difficult moment, they want to show how good they are. I don’t think there is ever a good moment to play City,’ he said.

‘It is normal in football to live moments like they are in. For sure, they will be back to winning trophies soon.’

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