Manchester City is coming off a huge victory against Manchester United in the premier league on Monday but an even more important tilt looms on Sunday when the squad takes on Chelsea in the semifinal of the FA Cup.
While City will be well-rested for the match, the team could be without David Silva. The midfielder has been suffering from a hamstring injury sustained during Monday's match.
"We will decide on the day of the game (whether he will play). We don't know if it is possible but if there is a risk, he doesn't play," said Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini. "It (Silva's injury) is getting better. Yesterday he ran. I think we have a chance. I don't think he can play 100 per cent but it is important he is close."
Silva has four goals and seven assists in 28 games for City this season but is an essentially playmaker and facilitator.
Regardless of whether the Spaniard plays, Mancini noted that his opponents will be difficult to take down. "Every game against Chelsea is difficult," he said. "They are a good team in their best moment this season, doing very well and I am happy for Rafael Benitez because he is a good manager."
With the premier league no longer within reach, Mancini and the team have placed greater emphasis on winning the FA Cup. "I think to play at Wembley is fantastic," he said. "For the FA Cup or the Premier League, for all the supporters there is a magic moment," said Mancini. "Every trophy is important for every team. For us, more so, because we have this chance to go to the final. I think it was important for the next game that we have the FA Cup. The Premier League championship is not important now, it is finished now."
The match takes place Sunday at 11 AM EST.