Both Chelsea and Arsenal are dealing with a number of injuries ahead of the Premier League clash on Sunday, which could have a bearing on the title race
Both Chelsea and Arsenal will have several players unavailable when they meet in the Premier League this weekend. The Gunners will travel to Stamford Bridge to face the Blues in a crucial top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
Arsenal hold a six-point advantage at the Premier League summit, and just claimed a win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek.
Chelsea also impressed in Europe, securing a commanding 3-0 victory against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge during the week. The Blues are currently second in the table going into the clash against the Gunners this weekend.
However, both sides are currently managing multiple injury concerns and fitness doubts ahead of Sunday's showdown, reports football.london.
Leandro Trossard has given Arsenal a fresh injury worry after being withdrawn during the opening period of the Bayern victory.
"With Leo, we don't know. He said he felt something, we didn't want to take any risk, obviously," Mikel Arteta acknowledged when questioned about his decision to substitute Trossard.
Arsenal were also without Gabriel Magalhaes, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus against Bayern Munich due to injury.
Apart from Gabriel, all the mentioned players could potentially return to the squad against Chelsea, but remain uncertain for the fixture at present.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are hopeful that Cole Palmer could make his return against Arsenal, after being sidelined for much of the season with a groin injury and subsequently a fractured toe.
The Blues have given their star man a specially-adapted boot to try and ensure he could get back on the training pitch as soon as possible, with Maresca confirming the move.
"Yes, Cole is wearing a boot," Maresca said ahead of Chelsea's win over Barcelona. "We don't know when [he will be back to full fitness], but it will be soon.
"He is already on the pitch and already touching the ball. The feeling is good. At the moment, we are only looking at tomorrow's game [vs Barcelona].
"It's a Champions League game against Barcelona, that is our focus and then we will look ahead to Arsenal. I don't think he will be available for these two games, but he is doing well."
However, Chelsea will definitely be without Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo for the clash against Arsenal due to injuries.