City's Sibierski ruled out for Chelsea clash

Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan has already ruled Antoine Sibierski out of the Premiership clash with Chelsea on October 16.

The French midfielder suffered cracked ribs in the 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal 10 days ago and has not been able to train since.

Sibierski was forced to sit out Saturday’s goalless draw at Southampton and, despite the current international break giving him time to rest, Keegan has written the 30-year-old out of Chelsea’s visit to Eastlands.

The former Lens player is now targeting the following week’s encounter with Newcastle for a comeback, which has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, October 24.

“Antoine is still two or three weeks away,” Keegan told www.mcfc.co.uk

“He is a definite non-starter for Chelsea but maybe he will be available for the game after.

“All we can do is rest him because at the moment he can’t even join in training.”

Meanwhile, France coach Raymond Domenech admitted he considered ending Nicolas Anelka’s two-and-a-half year exile from the international side following David Trezeguet’s withdrawal from the squad to face Ireland in Paris on Saturday.

Anelka fell out with former coach Jacques Santini but the 25-year-old is thought to be desperate to revive his international career and almost got his chance at the Stade de France this weekend, only for Domenech to plump for Marseilles’ Peguy Luyindula instead.

“Of course it crossed my mind to pick Nicolas,” he said.

“But we already had Djibril Cisse in the squad, who has the same profile as Nicolas and I wanted someone more like David Trezeguet.”

However, Domenech insisted Anelka will be considered for future matches, particularly if he maintains his impressive current form for Manchester City.

“Why should I sideline talented players,” he added.

“Nicolas has the qualities to play for France. He will have to prove in his club games that he deserves selection.”