Why Is Rayan Cherki Not Playing Tonight for Manchester City vs Chelsea?

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Why Is Rayan Cherki Not Playing Tonight for Manchester City vs Chelsea?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated May 16, 2026 9:19 AM ET

Manchester City will play Chelsea in the FA Cup Final today at Wembley Stadium. Man City is in search for their second trophy this season following their EFL Cup win against Arsenal in March.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola benched multiple key players earlier this week in their Premier League match against Crystal Palace to rest them for today's match.

Erling Haaland and more players sat on the bench from the start against Crystal Palace, but he returns in the starting lineup along with Rodri, who was out for a month.

A key player who was benched in the previous match but is a regular starter in the Manchester City lineup is Rayan Cherki, but he is not included in the starting XI vs Chelsea.

Cherki did get minutes against Crystal Palace and played for around 15 minutes, where he provided an assist for Savinho.

Savinho of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates Marc Guehi and Rayan Cherki during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Omar Marmoush replaces Rayan Cherki in the starting lineup, with regulars like Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo retaining their place in the lineup.

Is Rayan Cherki Injured?

Rayan Cherki is not injured and is part of the Manchester City bench for the FA Cup Final against Chelsea today.

Manchester City have a full fit squad, with Rodri returning after not playing for a month, but he makes his way back in the starting lineup. Cherki being benched shocked many, and it is now two games in a row where he sits on the bench.

Fans online consider that Guardiola is making a bold move in benching Cherki for the match, with Marmoush likely playing behind Haaland today. Guardiola was asked about starting Marmoush over Cherki.

Guardiola said, "When you have all the squad and have to leave six players out, it's always tough. Of course, it is tough. We need certain movements, and we believe Omar is special with that."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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