Arsenal hope to have an almost fully-fit squad available for his or her Premier League clash with Chelsea today.
Following the thumping derby victory over Tottenham, Mikel Arteta and his squad had a rare week off from games to rest and get well ahead of the visit of the Blues.
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 didn’t mention any specific injury for Saka after the sport, nor did he mention the winger when asked for an injury update in his pre-match press conference on Friday, suggesting he is out there.
Martin Odegaard also made his return from a modern knock off the bench in north London and can 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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That can also be the case for Ben White, one other who missed the derby after picking up a ‘niggle’ in training.
Mikel Merino meanwhile could haven’t 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 fitting-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 can miss out again today. 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.
Estevao Willan was one other who missed out last week and can miss out again today.
Wesley Fofana meanwhile will sit the sport out after he became the newest Chelsea player to see red against Burnley.
Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain absent.
Who do you think that will win?
Arsenal XI to face Chelsea – Metro prediction
Arteta’s biggest dilemma can be to follow Eze or restore Odegaard to his midfield.
The battle in the midst 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 Cucurella out and Fofana suspended, Rosenior can be without half his regular back 4. Tosin Adarabioyo is in line to switch 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 today.
You’ll be able to watch the match survive Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Fundamental Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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