Enzo Fernandez update and five things spotted in Chelsea training ahead of Man City clash

Chelsea have been hard at work preparing for Sunday's crunch encounter against Manchester City, with several stars sticking out in training

Chelsea will face arguably the most difficult fixture left on their calendar this season when they host Manchester City on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's side will be rabid as they visit Stamford Bridge, hoping to close the distance on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

It marks the start of a very difficult week for Liam Rosenior's side as they turn their attention back to league matters. Less than a week after hosting City, the west Londoners will then face Manchester United at home in another test of their top-six credentials.

Defeat at home this weekend could result in the Blues being bounced out of the European qualifying places with only a handful of games to play. Brentford and Everton are each just two points behind heading into Week 32, and Chelsea have won just one of their last six in the Premier League.

Spirits appeared high in training over the past couple of days, however, as the club looks to build on its 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale. And football.london breaks down some of the highlights out of Cobham ahead of such a key fixture against City.

Enzo Fernandez sits out

The main storyline to emerge from Friday's session is the ongoing absence of Enzo Fernandez. The Argentinian was suspended for Chelsea's FA Cup clash with Port Vale following comments he made suggesting he's unsure if he'll remain at the club this summer.

Rosenior said Fernandez would be suspended for two games as a result of his remarks. And while some Chelsea fans may have hoped he'd relent in light of the tough fixtures, it seems the manager is adamant on following through with his punishment.

With Reece James injured at present, it will leave Chelsea scrambling for a third choice to captain the team against City on Sunday. And it also serves to illustrate Rosenior isn't the sort to make idle threats when challenged.

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Marc Guiu working for comeback

Marc Guiu will undoubtedly feel disappointed with his lack of minutes since being recalled from a loan at Sunderland. All the more so after the Spaniard was left out of the matchday squad that lost 3-0 to Everton prior to the international break.

If a lack of firepower was evident during that fateful trip, Guiu was hard at work in a bid to prove he deserves a shot against City.

Andrey Santos catches Cole cold

One clip posted by Chelsea in the build-up to Sunday saw the players racing in a bronco-style bleep test. Heading the pack at one point was Andrey Santos and Cole Palmer, though the former still had a clear advantage.

Santos' shorter steps got the better of Palmer's lengthy gait as the pair took their light-hearted contest in stride (literally). However, midfielder Santos was noticeably taking the segment much more seriously as his team-mate could only laugh at losing out.

Caicedo back in the mix

After two 90-minute outings for Ecuador during the international break, Moises Caicedo was rested for the Port Vale drubbing. However, he'll inevitably form a key component in Rosenior's line-up on Sunday, especially if Fernandez sits out as expected.

That being said, Caicedo appeared to be in serious mood and taking part in his own separate running drill this week. And it sends a message as to just how much importance he's placing on the showdown with City.

Dario Essugo fighting fit

Having sat out so much of this campaign following thigh surgery, Dario Essugo is finally homing in on a Premier League impact. After assisting twice in the extra-time win over Wrexham, he was once again involved with a 28-minute cameo against Port Vale.

After being named on a league bench for the first time since August, it's clear Essugo is on Rosenior's radar. And what better fixture than City to stage a surprise by giving the Portugal under-21 international some involvement this weekend.