Arsenal face one other huge test of their Premier League title chase after they host Chelsea this weekend
After recent wobbles against Brentford and Wolves, the Gunners got firmly back on the right track with one other thumping derby victory over Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta and his squad have had a rare week off from games to rest and recuperate ahead of the visit of the Blues and can hope the remaining injury concerns inside the squad may have eased by Sunday.
Bukayo Saka began on Sunday but was forced off in injury time after a tangle with Xavi Simons. The England international required some treatment before gingerly leaving the pitch.
Arteta is predicted to supply an update on Saka when he speaks to the press on Friday however the Arsenal boss didn’t mention any injury after the Spurs game, suggesting the problem was a minor one.
Martin Odegaard also made his return from a contemporary knock off the bench in north London and will probably be hoping to regain his place within the side.
Kai Havertz’s latest injury setback was not regarded as serious however it did rule him out of the squad last weekend. The Germany international is in contention to return to the squad for the visit of Liam Rosenior’s side.
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Enroll here, it’s an open goal.
Ben White is one other who missed the derby after picking up a ‘niggle’ in training.
Mikel Merino meanwhile could don’t have any further role to play this season after undergoing foot surgery earlier this month.
Chelsea may have their captain Reece James available for the trip across the capital.
The proper-back got here off late on against Burnley, the primary time he has began a league match because the win over Crystal Palace on 25 January, but Rosenior eased any fresh injury fears over his skipper later that afternoon.
Marc Cucurella has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and stays a doubt heading into the weekend. Each Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto have filled in during his absence with each in contention to fill the void at left-back again on the Emirates.
Chelsea have been sweating on the fitness of Estevao Willan after a hamstring injury ruled him out of last week’s draw with the Clarets.
The Brazil international was scheduled to undergo further scans this week with Rosenior expected to supply an update on Friday.
Wesley Fofana meanwhile will sit the sport out after he became the most recent Chelsea player to see red against Burnley.
Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain absent.
Arsenal XI to face Chelsea – Metro prediction
Arteta’s biggest dilemma will probably be to follow Eze or restore Odegaard to his midfield.
The battle in the course of the park against Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos may suit the skipper more, but can the manager drop Eze after two goals against Spurs?
Chelsea XI to face Arsenal – Metro prediction
With doubts remaining over Cucurella and Fofana suspended, Rosenior will probably be without half his regular back 4. Tosin Adarabioyo is in line to exchange the Frenchman at centre-half while Gusto’s experience may even see him given the nod at left-back.
Arsenal vs Chelsea TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Chelsea kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday 1 March.
You may watch the match live to tell the tale Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Most important Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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