Chelsea pair face fitness race for Man City showdown

London: Premier League leaders Chelsea could be without midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Filipe Luis for Saturday`s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Both came off during Chelsea`s 1-0 victory in the Capital One (League) Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on Tuesday, while Branislav Ivanovic, who headed the winner in extra-time, is also a doubt with a cut foot.

"Branislav could finish the game, Fabregas and Filipe couldn`t," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explained.

"Filipe has a calf problem, Fabregas has a hamstring."

Mourinho added that Fabregas "said he wasn`t yet injured but that he would be soon if he continued" but was uncertain whether he would be available for Saturday`s game.

Fabregas was replaced by Ramires five minutes into the second half, while Filipe Luis limped off after 78 minutes and was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea`s victory in a thrilling blood-and-thunder game went some way to alleviating their embarrassing 4-2 home defeat to third tier Bradford City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Tuesday`s win over Liverpool gave them a 2-1 aggregate success and they will now meet either Tottenham Hotspur or Sheffield United in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 1.