• FA Cup

Yaya fears 'big loss' of Silva for FA Cup semi

ESPN staff
April 13, 2013
Yaya Toure is desperate © PA Photos
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Yaya Toure believes Manchester City's Wembley date with Chelsea is similar to their 2011 FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, but admits the potential loss of David Silva would be a big blow.

The Ivory Coast midfielder got the only goal of the game when City knocked out their neighbours in the last-four two years ago before going to win their first trophy for 35 years with Toure again scoring to defeat Stoke in the final.

It means the former Barcelona midfielder has been branded City's Wembley specialist but he is expecting another tough test against Chelsea.

He told City's official website: "We were faced with a similar challenge against Manchester United in 2011 and it was because we fought so hard and played really well that we beat them - the same is required on Sunday and we can't leave the pitch with any regrets.

"I'm very focused on what we have to do and the whole team is and if we win, we will have done so because we deserve it. Wembley is a very special place for me and I have some great memories from our last FA Cup run, particularly the semi-final and final for obvious reasons so I hope I can experience more great moments this season."

Toure admits it will be a major blow for City if Silva, who is suffering from a hamstring problem, is not passed fit to play.

"David is such an important player for us, we are obviously hoping he recovers in time," he said. "He has such quality, is quick, clever with fantastic movement and technically brilliant so he would be a big loss to the team.

"If he doesn't play, it will make it harder for us because in games like this, you need your best players but we have many fantastic footballers at this club and as long as we give our best game, we will have a good chance of making the final."

"Toure could be used in a more advanced position if Silva is absent and said: "It's true that it could affect my role in the team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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