Graham Potter has named a Chelsea starting XI without a number of injured players for today’s clash with Arsenal.
The Blues will have to find a way to compete against Mikel Arteta’s side, who are currently top of the Premier League table.
Ben Chilwell suffered a hamstring tear after coming off in the final minute of the 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in midweek, and he will certainly miss out with his World Cup participation in serious doubt.
“He feels okay but is obviously aware of the injury and we need to let the swelling settle down and hence the delay with the scan,” Potter said on Friday. “We’ll know more after that.
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“I wouldn’t say he fears the worst but we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive but until we get the scan it’s difficult to say.
Reece James and Wesley Fofana are out and continue their rehabilitation programmes in Dubai in their bid to overcome longer-term knee injuries. N’Golo Kante has had surgery to correct a serious hamstring issue and will be on the sidelines for at least three more months.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is also out until club football resumes at the end of December, meaning Edouard Mendy starts in goal against the Gunners.
“Kepa, no [he isn’t available],” Potter said on Friday. “He has plantar fasciitis on the bottom of his foot. I don’t think he will play before the World Cup.”
Young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has spent the last week training alone as Chelsea manage his hamstring complaint.
The Blues are boosted by the return of Mateo Kovacic to the bench after he was left out of the recent Champions League win due to tightness in his calf.
Chelsea opted for a 3-4-3 formation under Potter against Manchester United and return to the formation for today’s line-up.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starts to face his former club.
Chelsea XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Chalobah; Loftus-Cheek, Mount, Jorginho, Cucurella; Havertz, Aubameyang, Sterling.
Subs: Bettinelli, Koulibaly, Hall, Gallagher, Kovacic, Zakaria, Pulisic, Ziyech, Broja.
