Mikel Arteta has revealed Kai Havertz and Max Dowman are on the comeback trail in a major double boost for Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners host Chelsea, who they recently edged in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, on Sunday as they bid to continue building momentum following the 4-1 demolition of Tottenham.
Arteta has indicated ex-Blues forward Havertz could be ready to return this weekend after he bagged the winner at the Emirates against Chelsea earlier this month.
The Spaniard said when asked for a team news update: “No [confirmation of final numbers] so far, we are waiting on tomorrow, the last training session to understand if we have one or two available.”
When pushed on forward duo Havertz and Dowman, he added: “Yeah we are hopeful. Max will play some minutes tonight with the U21s, Kai, we will see.”
Havertz has been sidelined with a muscular issue and also suffered a hamstring injury last February during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Dowman has been absent since December when he suffered ankle ligament damage during a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Manchester United XI at St George’s Park.
Winger Estevao, Jamie Gittens and left-back Marc Cucurella will miss the contest through injury.
Liam Rosenior’s side head to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon following back-to-back draws against Leeds United and Burnley, leaving them vulnerable to slipping out of the Champions League qualification place.
Four points dropped has opened the door for Liverpool, with Manchester United and Aston Villa ahead of the Blues inside the top four.
Chelsea’s run-in isn’t favourable and Rosenior’s side will require some huge results if they are to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
They face Arsenal, who are the only side to beat Rosenior since he took over at Chelsea. Mikel Arteta’s side knocked the Blues out of the Carabao Cup after a two-legged semi-final victory in January.
Chelsea welcomed back Romeo Lavia into the matchday squad against Burnley. He will be hoping to step up his return for Arsenal. Dario Essugo joined Lavia in Chelsea training on Tuesday as the Blues began their preparations.
Marc Cucurella’s absence is set to continue following a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Reece James is expected to start at the Emirates after he was taken off against Burnley.
Rosenior confirmed: “Reece is so important to us as the captain, as the world-class player that he is, that any sign of fatigue with him, I want to get him off the pitch.
“I need him for Arsenal. He should be absolutely fine.”
Team news
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino and Max Dowman.
Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are sidelined for the visitors. Estevao Willian and Filip Jorgensen are doubtful.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya, Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.