Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is facing a defensive injury crisis as Premier League leaders Chelsea prepare to visit Eastlands this weekend.

Unless Micah Richards recovers from the hamstring injury which kept him out of City's 2-1 Carling Cup defeat by West Brom last night, Mancini will have only Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Kolo Toure available.

The Italian played a weakened side at The Hawthorns with Saturday's game in mind, where City will be looking to close the seven-point gap on Chelsea.

We have big problems. I hope that Micah Richards can recover. If not I don't know who can play left-back.
Roberto Mancini on defensive problems

Mancini said: "We have big problems. I hope that Micah Richards can recover. If not I don't know who can play left-back."

He added of the Carling Cup defeat: "I don't regret making the changes. Saturday is more important, the FA Cup is more important. The Europa League is more important."

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has injury problems of his own to worry about, with Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun definitely ruled out of the trip to Manchester.