This afternoon's highly anticipated London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge could be missing up to eight players due to a combination of injury concerns and fitness doubts.
Team News and Injury Updates
The Blues enter this crucial encounter desperate to slash Arsenal's advantage at the Premier League summit. Following Manchester City's victory against Leeds United on Saturday, the Gunners currently enjoy a four-point buffer at the top. A win for Chelsea would see them move back into second place and narrow that gap to just three points.
Despite Chelsea's excellent recent form, having won five of their last six matches across all competitions, they've been unable to overcome Mikel Arteta's side in any of their last seven encounters. Arsenal themselves remain unbeaten since late August, setting the stage for a tense battle.
Chelsea's Squad Concerns
Enzo Maresca received some positive news with Cole Palmer potentially returning to the matchday squad. The 23-year-old midfielder, who hasn't featured since aggravating a muscle problem at the end of September, subsequently suffered a fractured toe during his recovery. Speaking to journalists at Cobham on Friday, the Chelsea manager provided an encouraging update, confirming Palmer is "available for both" starting and playing against Arsenal.
Young winger Estevao Willian appeared to take a knock during Chelsea's victory over Barcelona on Tuesday night, but has been training normally in preparation and is likely to be included. However, the Blues will definitely be without Romeo Lavia, who was substituted early in Chelsea's draw against Qarabag earlier this month with a muscle injury.
Further absentees include Dario Essugo, who suffered a thigh injury requiring surgery while on international duty in September. The 20-year-old midfielder has recently returned to training but isn't expected back in action until January. Defender Levi Colwill remains sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season and undergoing surgery in early August.
Arsenal's Fitness Situation
The Gunners could welcome back several key players despite their own injury concerns. Leandro Trossard was forced off during the first half of Arsenal's clash against Bayern Munich, with Arteta confirming the 30-year-old winger felt something in his calf and was scheduled for a late fitness test.
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes continues to be sidelined with an adductor injury picked up during the international break, with another scan scheduled for Wednesday to determine the extent of the problem. Striker Gabriel Jesus, recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament suffered in January, recently participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly but the Chelsea match might come too soon for him.
There is more positive news regarding forwards Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres. Havertz hasn't played since the first weekend of the season after undergoing minor knee surgery, while Gyokeres missed training ahead of Arsenal's victory over Bayern Munich. Arteta described both players as "getting closer and closer" and remained "very positive" about their potential returns, though final decisions were pending further assessment.
This extensive injury list for both sides could significantly impact team selection and tactics for what promises to be a pivotal encounter in the Premier League title race.
