On a quest for a fifth consecutive win, Chelsea head to the Emirates to face Arsenal in a crucial London derby. However, Enzo Maresca’s side will be without several key players due to injury concerns.
Right-back Malo Gusto remains a minor doubt after sustaining an ankle injury in the first leg of Chelsea’s Conference League victory over Copenhagen. Having missed the last two matches, his availability for Sunday’s clash is uncertain.
Omari Kellyman, recovering from a serious hamstring injury, recently returned to Under-21 action. However, due to a lack of match fitness, he won’t be considered for senior team selection just yet.
Nicolas Jackson, who picked up a severe hamstring injury in the win over West Ham in early February, is ruled out. The Senegalese striker is expected to return after the international break for the match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Marc Guiu, Jackson’s replacement against West Ham, also suffered a similar hamstring issue in the same game. The young Spaniard is targeting a comeback alongside Jackson at the start of next month.
These absences could significantly impact Chelsea’s attacking options as they face a high-flying Arsenal side, currently six points ahead in the Premier League table. Maresca will need to rely on squad depth to maintain their winning streak.
Noni Madueke is another casualty with a hamstring injury. The winger is also aiming for a return against Tottenham, ruling him out of the Arsenal clash and Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
The Blues’ recent narrow victories over Leicester City and Copenhagen have shown resilience, but overcoming Arsenal without key players will be a true test of their form and tactics.
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