Mikel Arteta press conference before Arsenal vs Chelsea
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Ezri Konsa has been handed a full debut as Arsenal’s take on Chelsea this afternoon.
Cristhian Mosquera’s withdrawal against Aston Villa on Monday night was precautionary, according to Arteta, but Konsa has been given the nod at centre-back alongside Gabriel.
Mosquera, along with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, were not spotted with the rest of the Arsenal squad on Sunday morning.
Arsenal showcased their impressive strength in depth at Villa Park, particularly in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes came off the bench and was bright in his cameo, though he picked up a small issue in that match and is a doubt for the London derby against the Blues.
"He had a knock against Villa in the previous game,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “He's been assessed, but probably tomorrow he will be ok to train."
Chance to start: Ezri Konsa
Arteta indicated that Timber is closing in on a return but it would be a surprise if he was involved on Sunday.
"He's in really good condition at the moment,” Arteta said. “He's been training with us now, he's in a good place."
On his chances of playing against Chelsea, the Arsenal manager added: "We will decide again tomorrow after training."
In attack, Christos Tzolis had a tough time of it against Villa and Eberechi Eze pushed his case for a start by making a difference after coming on at half time.
Viktor Gyokeres has not played a minute in the Premier League this season and is not expected to replace Kai Havertz for this match, with Arteta so often trusting the German in big games.
Bukayo Saka has started the season well and is looking to get on the scoresheet for the third match in a row.
Confirmed team news
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
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Subs: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Eze, Merino, Zubimendi, Guimaraes, Dowman, Gyokeres, Madueke
Chelsea XI: Martinez, Acheampong, Fofana, Lacroix, Neto, James, Lavia, Hato, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro
Subs: Penders, Colwill, Gusto, Chavarria, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Welbeck, Estevao
Injured: Saliba
Doubts: Mosquera, Timber, Guimaraes
Time and date: 4:30pm BST on Sunday, September 6, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports