Arsenal take on Chelsea in their first home game of the new season and Mikel Arteta will be without some really key players on Sunday.
Even with a full-strength squad, it would have been really difficult for the Gunners to beat their London rivals but the club’s latest team news has made the situation even more gloomy.
Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel are both ruled out with ankle injuries while midfielder Thomas Partey is also on the sidelines with an ankle ligament issue. None of these players will be available for selection.
Apart from these injury absentees, Lacazette, Willian and Alex Runarsson have all tested positive for COVID and are set to miss out on Sunday.
Aubamayeng had also contracted COVID, forcing him to miss the opening weekend’s loss to Brentford but Arsenal have confirmed that he has recovered.
While he’s tested negative, his fitness still remains a doubt so there’s a big chance he could only find a place on the bench against Chelsea. If Aubameyang is not starting then Nicolas Pepe is likely to operate down the left flank with Bukayo Saka playing on the right-hand side.
Here’s the team news in full(as per the club’s official website):
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Auba tested positive for Covid-19 and was unavailable for last Friday’s match at Brentford. Auba is now negative on Covid-19 testing, is well and following all protocols for return to play. He will return to training and be assessed prior to Sunday’s match.
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Alex Lacazette
Alex tested positive for Covid-19 and was unavailable for last Friday’s match at Brentford. Alex is still recovering and will not be available for Sunday’s match.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Right knee. Gabriel sustained an injury to his right knee whilst with the Brazilian Olympic Squad. Gabriel is progressing well with the medical team and is aiming to be back in training later this month.
Eddie Nketiah
Right ankle. Eddie sustained bruising to his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on 1 August. Eddie is working hard with the medical team and is aiming to be back in training in early September.
Thomas Partey
Right ankle. Thomas sustained an injury to ligaments in his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on 1 August. Thomas is working hard with the medical team and is aiming to be back in training by the end of August.
Alex Runarsson
Alex tested positive for Covid-19 and was unavailable for last Friday’s match at Brentford. Alex is still recovering and will not be available for Sunday’s match.
Willian
Willian has also tested positive for Covid-19 and is adhering to protocols. His health and fitness will be monitored and assessed ahead of Sunday’s match.
