Arsenal will be without William Saliba against Chelsea this afternoon, while Mikel Arteta has faced late fitness decisions elsewhere in his squad before the Emirates showdown.
The Premier League champions host Xabi Alonso’s side at 4.30pm BST with both clubs defending perfect starts to the new league season.
Chelsea already have their own major fitness question surrounding Moises Caicedo, but Arsenal are not arriving at the derby completely unscathed either.
🚨🔵 MATCHDAY: A BIG London Derby awaits! 🔥
🏟️ Arsenal vs Chelsea
🏆 Premier League | Matchday 3
📅 Sunday, 6 September 2026
⏰ 15:30 GMT
📍 Emirates Stadium, London
📺 Canal+ Sport, Sky Sports, beIN Sports, TNT Sports, CBS Sports, SuperSport
Let’s get the three points, Blues!… pic.twitter.com/1iuv8P5GUl
— Just Chelsea (@justcfc) September 6, 2026
Arsenal injury news vs Chelsea
Saliba is the clearest absentee.
The France international is recovering from a back injury and will not face Chelsea, removing one of Arteta’s most important defenders from the champions’ back line.
Jurrien Timber has also been working his way back from a groin problem.
Arteta revealed before the match that Timber had returned to training and would be assessed before a final decision was made on his involvement.
Cristhian Mosquera has also required monitoring after picking up an issue against Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, summer signing Bruno Guimarães suffered a knock in that victory at Villa Park, although Arteta indicated the midfielder was expected to return to training before Sunday’s game.
The Guardian’s latest Arsenal vs Chelsea team-news guide lists Saliba as injured, with Mosquera and Guimarães among Arsenal’s fitness concerns.
Saliba absence gives Chelsea opportunity
Saliba’s absence could be particularly significant given the attacking form Chelsea take to north London.
Alonso’s side have scored seven goals across their opening two Premier League games, with Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers all making strong starts.
Our Chelsea predicted XI against Arsenal explains the major decision Alonso faces in midfield, but the Blues should also be looking for ways to test a reshuffled Arsenal defence.
Saliba’s pace and ability to defend large spaces normally allow Arsenal to play aggressively higher up the pitch.
Without him, Chelsea’s speed in transition could become even more important.
ReadChelsea has already looked at how Chelsea can exploit Arsenal at the Emirates, with Rogers and Pedro Neto potentially important when possession changes hands.
Arsenal have not conceded in either of their opening two Premier League matches.
Chelsea now have an opportunity to give their altered defence its biggest examination yet.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Arsenal: Reece James starts in midfield
Chelsea predicted XI vs Arsenal: Reece James starts in midfield
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