As many as eight players could miss the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this afternoon due to various injury concerns and fitness doubts
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are nearing returns from the treatment room
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Up to eight players could still be ruled out of this afternoon's London derby. Chelsea will be desperate to slash Arsenal's advantage at the top of the Premier League table when they meet at Stamford Bridge.
After Manchester City's victory against Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the Gunners enter the eagerly awaited encounter with a four-point buffer. The Blues have the opportunity to move back into second place and narrow Arsenal's lead to just three points with a win on Sunday.
The west London outfit may be enjoying excellent form, winning five of their last six games across all competitions, but they've been unable to overcome Mikel Arteta's side in any of their last seven encounters. The Gunners aren't struggling with form themselves; they have been unbeaten since late August.
He hasn't appeared for the Blues since aggravating his muscle problem at the end of September. Speaking to journalists at Cobham on Friday, the Chelsea boss provided an encouraging update.
When asked whether the England international is fit to start and play against Arsenal, Maresca said: "He's available for both. His team-mates are happy, we are happy, and the most important thing is that Cole is happy."
Cole Palmer has not played for Chelsea since September 20 against Manchester United
Cole Palmer has not played for Chelsea since September
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Levi Colwill of Chelsea FC with Gold medal waves at fans after winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, United States
Levi Colwill following Chelsea's win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final(Image: Photo by MartÃn Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Arteta confirmed at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday that the 30-year-old winger, who felt something in his calf, was scheduled for a late fitness test.
Leandro Trossard is a major Arsenal injury doubt to face Chelsea in the Premier League
Leandro Trossard is a doubt for Arsenal(Image: (John Walton/PA Wire))
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Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on November 01, 2025 in Burnley, England.
Gyokeres' big-game ability has been questioned
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As for Gyokeres, he didn't participate in training ahead of Arsenal's victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. However, Arteta hinted that neither player is far off from making a comeback.
When quizzed about Gyokeres and Havertz on Friday, Arteta said: "We have another day tomorrow, so let's see how everybody has come on. They are getting closer and closer. So, we are very positive with both of them - and let's see."
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