Boost for Chelsea as Arsenal could be without five first-team stars for weekend PL clash
According to The Mirror, Arsenal could be forced to take to the field this weekend against Chelsea with five first-team stars unavailable.
The Gunners take on the Blues in the standout fixture of the second week in the Premier League. Having suffered a shock loss in their curtain-raiser against Brentford, the onus is on Mikel Arteta’s side to bounce back.
But Thomas Tuchel’s European champions will be ready and could very well put the Gunners to the sword. Chelsea’s job could be made easier if the Gunners go into the game sans some of their best players.
According to the report, the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Eddie Nketiah are all in doubt for the clash next Sunday. Four of the five players would have been expected to feature in Arsenal’s strongest XI had they been available.
Unlike Arsenal, Chelsea goes into the game full of belief and could also welcome back Romelu Lukaku and N’Golo Kante. The former could very well make his second debut for the club this weekend and finally, break his duck in Blue.
With Gabriel absent, Lukaku will go up against Ben White and Pablo Mari. We would not put it past Lukaku to dominate his opponents on the night.
Partey’s absence coinciding with Kante’s return gives Chelsea the advantage in midfield while Aubameyang and Lacazette’s absence deprives the Gunners of their two most experienced attackers.
Arsenal could, however, call on some fresh young talents such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Rowe Smith. As long as Tuchel’s men approach the game professionally, the result should be a foregone conclusion.
Both sides know full well that nothing less than a win will do this Sunday. Chelsea cannot afford to drop any points early on, especially when the opposition is there for the taking. Given the quality at our disposal, Arsenal could find it difficult to stop Chelsea if they get going.