A daunting trip to Stamford Bridge awaits Arsenal on Saturday evening, as the Gunners take on Chelsea in their first Premier League game back following the international break.
Mikel Arteta's side went into the fortnight's hiatus having finally lifted their Manchester City hoodoo, defeating the champions 1-0 at the Emirates thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's deflected winner.
With 20 points and no defeats to show from their eight fixtures so far, Arsenal are level on points and goal difference with leaders Tottenham Hotspur, but having scored 16 times compared to their rivals' 18, the Gunners are second in the standings.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's injury and suspension news ahead of their London derby with 11th-placed Chelsea, who demolished Burnley 4-1 two weekends ago.
© Reuters
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Chelsea)
Arteta's affirmations that Bukayo Saka would be "in contention" for the City clash were mere mind games from the Spaniard, as the attacker sat out that victory with the hamstring problem he picked up against Lens in the Champions League. Saka did rock up to St George's Park for England duty, but he was quickly sent home after further assessment, and Gooners are waiting with bated breath to hear the latest on his condition.
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown
After his Premier League debut was cruelly cut short in August, scans showed that new arrival Jurrien Timber had sustained a serious cruciate ligament injury, and he is still months away from a first-team comeback.
© Reuters
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Chelsea)
Leandro Trossard began the win over Man City before being withdrawn for Martinelli at half time, having also damaged his hamstring in the first half, and the winger will need a once-over in the coming days after pulling out of international duty with Belgium.
© Reuters
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Toe
Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Chelsea)
On the same night that he shone against the treble winners, William Saliba withdrew from the France squad after it was revealed that he had been playing through the pain of a "chronic" toe injury, but having had two weeks to recuperate, the defender is expected to be involved at Stamford Bridge.
ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for this match.
Ben Knapton
