Arsenal take on Chelsea Saturday at the Emirates as they attempt to reel in the Blues. Maurizio Sarri’s Blues are six points above Arsenal in the table and have an opportunity to extend their lead.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea – Gunners injury worries
Gunners’ manager Unai Emery has injury worries ahead of Chelsea’s arrival. The Gunners are without Henrikh Mkhitaryan who is still recovering from a broken metatarsal.
Mkhitaryan is expected to be fit for Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round match against Manchester United. However, Saturday’s game against Chelsea comes too soon for the midfielder.
Emery will also be without defender Rob Holding and striker Danny Welbeck for the fixture.
Emery could reinstall midfielder Mesut Ozil against the Blues. Ozil has tallied three goals and one assist in 13 Premier League games this term.
The German hasn’t featured for Arsenal since their Boxing Day draw against Brighton. He only played 45 minutes against the Seagulls.
Ozil missed Arsenal’s loss to Liverpool and win over Fulham due to a knee injury. Although back in training, he was left out of the squad last week against West Ham.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea – Blues have striker back
Chelsea has striker Alvaro Morata available for selection. Despite being available last weekend against Newcastle, Sarri left him out of the side.
The Spaniard continues to be linked with a move to Italy and could be held out of the match ahead of a transfer.
Midfield Ruben Loftus-Cheek will miss the clash at the Emirates with a back injury.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea – Recent results
Arsenal’s recent record against Chelsea has been poor. The Gunners have won just once in their last 14 meetings. Chelsea won the teams’ previous meeting this season, 3-2.
The Gunners have won just twice in their last six league games. Three of those matches ended in losses. Chelsea have won four of their last six fixtures in the Premier League with just one ending in defeat.
