Arsenal and Chelsea are set to face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with a combined 13 players expected to miss the match due to injury or suspension. The Gunners will be without Mikel Merino, who continues his recovery from foot surgery. Kai Havertz, Ben White, and Bukayo Saka are in a race against time to be fit, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming that a decision on their availability will be made on Saturday.
Teenager Max Dowman made his return for Arsenal Under-21s on Friday after three months out with an ankle issue, but Sunday's match is likely to come too soon for the 16-year-old.
Chelsea have a longer injury list, including long-term absentee Levi Colwill, who has yet to feature this season due to an ACL injury. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estevao are sidelined with thigh injuries, while Wesley Fofana is suspended after a red card against Burnley. Dario Essugo is also out until March, and Marc Cucurella is unavailable with a hamstring injury. Mykhailo Mudryk will also miss the trip.
Filip Jorgensen could rejoin the squad but faces a late fitness test and is unlikely to start. The match is crucial for both sides, with Arsenal aiming to build on their 4-1 win over Tottenham and Chelsea looking to rebound from a 1-1 draw with Burnley.
