• FA Cup

Silva fighting to be back for Chelsea semi

David Silva is hoping to be fit to face Chelsea at the weekend © PA Photos

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David Silva is hoping to recover from a hamstring injury in time to play in Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday.

City manager Roberto Mancini speculated that the Spanish midfielder would be unlikely to play a part after picking up a knock during the 2-1 Premier League win against Manchester United on Monday night.

But Silva is refusing to rule himself out of contention for the game at Wembley which presents City's only realistic chance of silverware this season.

"I have to have tests done [on Wednesday]. We will see the results of the tests and we will see whether I can be ready to play on Sunday or not," Silva said.

"I felt it at the end and I am still feeling it now. We will have to wait until [Wednesday] and see what the tests show. Hopefully I will be able to recover for Sunday.

"It would be a big blow for me. It is a game every player wants to play. Let's see what happens but if I can't there are always team-mates that can play."

Current Premier League champions, City have failed to defend their crown and remain a distant 12 points behind United in the table despite victory at Old Trafford on Monday.

But Silva believes the performance shown against Sir Alex Ferguson's side shows that City will return stronger as a team next season to provide a tougher challenge.

"To achieve it again we have to follow the line we showed [on Monday]," he said. "Also, last year we had that little bit of luck at the right times, this year we haven't.

"We need to stick together to achieve it again but we can do it. I feel we are growing every year as a club and we can see with the new contracts, we are growing, making a better team every year.

"I am confident we can win the title again next year."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.