Arsenal’s complete squad announced for the Chelsea match, with a crucial decision on Declan Rice and another player left out.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is once again dealing with late injury assessments before the clash against Chelsea, adding to an ongoing season of challenges that could affect the team’s momentum if issues persist.
Fortunately, rivals Manchester City have also been struggling, recently experiencing four consecutive losses across all competitions—a rare setback since 2006. But Arteta still faces a tough test ahead.
Despite Arteta’s strong record at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea come into the match with growing confidence under Enzo Maresca. However, like Arsenal, Chelsea are dealing with injury worries, particularly around Cole Palmer.
Arsenal recently welcomed Martin Odegaard back to the lineup after two months, but fresh concerns are surfacing before Sunday’s crucial Premier League matchup. In the recent 1-0 loss to Inter, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino both sustained head injuries and have had limited time to recover.
“We will have to see how they react,” Arteta shared on Friday, adding that Havertz suffered a bad cut and Merino felt unwell before he was subbed at halftime.
Declan Rice’s situation remains uncertain after missing the Inter game due to a knock from the Newcastle match. Rice’s absence from midweek training has only added to doubts. Arteta admitted, “I have to be vague on this because it’s unclear if he’ll be fit for the weekend. He hasn’t trained yet.”
Arteta confirmed, however, that outside these injuries, his squad is ready. “Everyone in the squad is fit and available,” he added, suggesting Odegaard might be ready for Premier League action.
Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, will not feature as he is on loan from Chelsea. Arsenal’s defense, fortunately, is in a good state for this matchup.
Here is the expected squad lineup for Sunday’s game: Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Miles Lewis-Skelly
Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard
