Arsenal vs Chelsea is the standout Premier League fixture this weekend, with both clubs winning their first two games coming into the match at Emirates Stadium
Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta
Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta have late selection decisions to make on Saturday after their teams' last training sessions(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal and Chelsea both have late selection decisions to make before meeting at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this weekend. Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso acknowledged that their teams' final training sessions on Saturday will determine who makes their matchday squads.
The Gunners are worse for wear and could be without as many as five first-team squad members. Multiple players picked up knocks and limped off the pitch during their 1-0 win away to Aston Villa on Monday night.
Arteta's side have just six days to recover from that match. Chelsea, however, had the same Sunday-Monday turnaround last week.
Bruno Guimaraes is among those whose fitness remains uncertain following his appearance as a substitute at Villa Park. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Arsenal boss said: "Yeah, he had a knock against Villa. "He's being assessed, but probably tomorrow (Saturday) he'll be OK for training."
A similar concern surrounds Cristhian Mosquera, who was forced off clutching his thigh before Ezri Konsa came on to make his Gunners debut against his former club. Arteta said of the substitution: "It was more precaution than anything else. So we'll have to see tomorrow (Saturday) in the session to see how he feels."
Declan Rice was also seen limping as Martin Zubimendi replaced him with five minutes remaining. However, the England international was back in training on Thursday and was not mentioned by Arteta during his pre-match briefing.
Jurrien Timber has also returned to training with his teammates and could feature in the matchday squad. Arteta said: "Yeah, he is in really good condition at the moment. As I said, he's been on the pitch for a few weeks, and he's training with us now. We'll decide tomorrow after training [if he will make the squad]."
William Saliba, however, faces a longer spell on the sidelines. Arteta acknowledged: "We don't really know the number of weeks Wilo is going to be out because it's about a healing process and everything is a bit different.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, interacts with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, prior to the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta previous coached against each other two years ago during the Emirates Cup(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"We know we have to respect certain timings. The progression has been really positive in the last few weeks, but we need to wait and see how that one reacts when we start to put some load into it."
As for Chelsea, Moises Caicedo's availability is causing concern for Alonso. Speaking during his press conference on Friday, the manager said: "We will check tomorrow (Saturday), as tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday."
Marco Palestra remains another absentee. Alonso, though, did not refer to the summer arrival during his press conference. Yet, speaking on Wednesday at the Gran Gala del Calcio, held inside Milan's Teatro alla Scala, while collecting an award for making the Serie A Team of the Season, the player said: "I'm fine, it's still a few days away, but I feel much better."
He was absent from training with his teammates on Thursday, however. Jordan Henderson is also set to be absent. Alonso acknowledged last week that they are still awaiting confirmation that he has been given "the green light to play soon."
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