Arsenal hope to have an almost fully-fit squad available for their 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 recover ahead of the visit of the Blues.
Bukayo Saka started 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 did not mention any specific injury for Saka after the game, nor did he mention the winger when asked for an injury update in his pre-match press conference on Friday, suggesting he is available.
Martin Odegaard also made his return from a latest knock off the bench in north London and will be hoping to regain his place in the side.
Kai Havertz’s latest injury setback was not thought to be serious but 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 is also the case for Ben White, another who missed the derby after picking up a ‘niggle’ in training.
Mikel Merino meanwhile could have no further role to play this season after undergoing foot surgery earlier this month.
Chelsea will have their captain Reece James available for the trip across the capital.
The right-back came off late on against Burnley, the first time he has started a league match since 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 will miss out again today. Both Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto have filled in during his absence with both in contention to fill the void at left-back again at the Emirates.
Estevao Willan was another who missed out last week and will miss out again today.
Wesley Fofana meanwhile will sit the game out after he became the latest Chelsea player to see red against Burnley.
Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain absent.
Who do you think will win?
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Arsenal
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Chelsea
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It will be a draw
Arsenal XI to face Chelsea – Metro prediction
Arteta’s biggest dilemma will be to stick with Eze or restore Odegaard to his midfield.
The battle in the middle 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 will be without half his regular back four. Tosin Adarabioyo is in line to replace the Frenchman at centre-half while Gusto’s experience may 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 can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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