Arsenal and Chelsea are set to face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both sides dealing with significant injury concerns. Mikel Arteta's Gunners aim to build on last Sunday's 4-1 derby victory over Tottenham, while the visitors will seek to rebound from a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Arsenal will be without Mikel Merino as he continues his recovery from foot surgery. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Bukayo Saka face a race against time to be fit. Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the trio's availability will be decided on Saturday. Teenager Max Dowman, who recently returned for the Under-21s after three months out with an ankle issue, is unlikely to feature.
Chelsea have a considerably longer injury list. Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury, while Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estevao are sidelined with thigh problems. Wesley Fofana is suspended after a red card against Burnley, and Dario Essugo is not expected back until March due to a long-term issue. Marc Cucurella is out with a hamstring injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk will definitely miss the trip. Filip Jorgensen could rejoin the squad but faces a late fitness test and is unlikely to start.
The match is the fourth meeting between the two sides in three months, with both teams desperate for points in their pursuit of Premier League and Champions League ambitions.
