- More than 10 players will miss the Premier League game between Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday, March 1
- Arsenal will be looking to restore their five-point lead over fellow title contenders Manchester City with a win
- Chelsea last beat Arsenal when current England manager Thomas Tuchel was still the boss under Roman Abramovich
Arsenal will tonight welcome Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in what is expected to be a potential title decider.
Source: Getty Images
The last time the two sides met in the league, it was a battle between first and second, but Chelsea has since lost ground, sinking to fifth.
Who will miss Chelsea vs Arsenal?
Both managers will miss key players for the contest in North London, with the visitors the hardest hit. Mikel Merino is the only definite absentee for Arsenal after undergoing foot surgery, which will rule him out for the entire season.
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Max Dowman also made his comeback for the U21s on Friday night after missing the last three months, but the exciting teenager is highly unlikely to play against Chelsea.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Ben White will undergo late fitness tests to ascertain just how much they will be involved in the London derby.
“No, so far, we’re waiting for tomorrow, the last training session, to understand if we have one or two available from last week. Kai will train tomorrow, and then we’ll see (if he’s fit to face Chelsea),” said Arteta when asked about Havertz via the club’s website.
Chelsea aren’t as lucky as Liam Rosenior has several important players out. Top of the list is Wesley Fofana, who was sent off against Burnley last weekend and will therefore be suspended for the game.
The injury list is also lengthy, headlined by long-term absentees Levi Colwill and Darrio Essugo. Colwill will miss the entire season, while Essugo could return later this month. Brazilian wonderkid Estevao will also miss the game due to a thigh injury, the same as fellow summer signing Jamie Gittens.
Marc Cucurella is out with a hamstring injury, which could see Malo Gusto deputise for him in the left-back position while Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended.
Source: Twitter
“Estevao, unfortunately, will be out for a little bit longer, but Jamie Gittens is progressing really well in terms of his rehab. Cucu is progressing really well, but he won’t be available on Sunday. Hopefully, we get him back in as soon as possible. Levi is doing really well with his long-term rehab, and Dario Essugo is back on the training pitch as well. Hopefully, we can get all these players fit and on the pitch before the end of the season,” said Rosenior via Chelsea’s website.
The game will kick off at 7:30 pm EAT.
PSG handed major advantage
In another report, PSG have been handed a major advantage ahead of their game against Chelsea.
PSG’s Ligue 1 game in between their game against Chelsea has been moved to give them ample time to prepare for the game.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will have to play Newcastle United before welcoming PSG for the second leg.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
