Injury scare: Bukayo Saka went off late in Arsenal’s derby thrashing of Tottenham
Arsenal Football Newsletter
The winger went off late in the win over Tottenham last weekend after being awkwardly caught in a challenge with Xavi Simons.
Saka was on the pitch at full-time to celebrate with his team-mates, and it is believed that he avoided any significant problem.
Mikel Arteta's big decision comes at No10. Martin Odegaard is back from a knee injury after coming off the bench against Spurs, but Eberechi Eze will hope to keep his place.
The summer signing scored twice in the north London derby and will be hoping to now kick on and maintain that form.
There is a chance that Eze lines up on the left wing, allowing Arsenal to start him and Odegaard together, but Arteta has been reluctant to do that over the last couple of months.
It appears more likely that one of them will start at No10, with Gabriel Martinelli's pace potentially preferred on the left wing over Leandro Trossard to exploit space in behind the Chelsea defence.
Kai Havertz could possibly return to the squad to face his former club, with Arteta confirming that the German will resume training on Saturday. Viktor Gyokeres scored a superb brace against Spurs and is set to lead the line again.
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In defence, Piero Hincapie continues to impress and looks set to keep his place over Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.
Ben White remains a doubt after missing the north London derby with a "niggle". Arteta said only “let’s see” when asked for a new update on the defender on Friday.
Max Dowman, meanwhile, played for the Under-21s as they were beaten by Ipswich on Friday night, as he continues his return from an ankle ligament injury.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Injured: Merino
Doubts: Havertz, White
Time and date: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London