American youngster Ethan Wady makes the bench for Chelsea vs Man City as goalkeeper is a late replacement for Joao Felix

• Portuguese forward ruled out
• U.S. shot-stopper steps up
• Waiting on debut for Blues

WHAT HAPPENED? The Blues headed to the Etihad Stadium preparing to play some part in a Premier League title-winning party, with Pep Guardiola’s side wrapping up a third successive top-flight crown. Frank Lampard’s pre-match plans were disrupted when Portuguese forward Felix had to drop out.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: With few options to call upon, San Jose native Wady was nudged up the pecking order. He has previously been involved in USA U17 training camps and has spent time on loan at Dartford, Hendon and Woking – returning from his latest stint outside of west London in January.

AND WHAT’S MORE: Wady linked up with Chelsea midway through the 2017-18 campaign when his family relocated to England from the United States. He is still waiting on his senior debut for the Blues, but has been involved in development squad fixtures.

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WHAT NEXT? Wady has previously admitted to being a big fan of a Chelsea legend between the sticks, telling the club's official website of his heroes: “When I was younger I always would look up to Petr Cech. As a young goalkeeper I always wanted to try and learn from the professionals and I don’t think there were many better than him.”