Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of Arsenal’s London derby clash with Chelsea.

Matchday 11 of the Premier League season brings a North versus West London showdown at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners will march to the Bridge to take on Enzo Maresca’s in-form Chelsea side, with Arsenal set to arrive in opposing circumstances. 

It’s three league games without a win for Arsenal, emphasising the importance of Sunday afternoon’s meeting. 

Arsenal injury update vs Chelsea

Speaking to the media in the pre-match press conference, Arteta cleared up some of the injury concerns currently surrounding the squad. 

Declan Rice was absent for Arsenal’s Champions League defeat against Inter Milan, with the manager sharing a brief update on the midfielder’s fitness. 

“I have to be very vague because I can’t guarantee that he’ll be fit for the weekend,” Arteta said.

Amid rumours that Rice sustained a toe injury, the manager held his cards close to his chest and refused to confirm or deny speculation, adding that the Englishman “hasn’t trained yet.”

With that in mind, it’s fair to say that Rice is a doubt for the derby, with another possible doubt also emerging.

Kai Havertz was hauled off during the defeat at the San Siro due to a nasty head injury, to which Arteta said, “We have to wait for tomorrow to see how he can react.”

Mikel Merino was also substituted in Milan, with the Spaniard facing a similar situation to Havertz ahead of Chelsea after not ‘feeling great’ at the San Siro.

Good news comes in the form of Martin Odegaard, with Arteta confirming that those in the squad on Wednesday night will feature on Sunday. 

Must win game for Arsenal

Despite the resurgence that Arteta has implemented at Arsenal, the manager is not immune from criticism. 

The Gunners have to find their form promptly in the league if they are to challenge for the title.

After 10 games played, Arsenal have maintained a win percentage of just 50%, telling of the work that needs to be done at Stamford Bridge.

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