Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday evening. Liam Rosenior has a new roster issue to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Wesley Fofana was sent off in the Premier League game against Burnley last weekend, and he will serve a suspension. However, Filip Jorgensen may be fit and available to be part of the matchday squad. Meanwhile, Levi Colwill (knee) is a long-term absentee, while Marc Cucurella, Dario Essugo, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao Willian remain in the treatment room due to their thigh injuries.
Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk continues his suspension after failing a doping test several months ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Rosenior provided fitness updates on Reece James, Cucurella, Estevao, Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Essugo, and Colwill.
The Chelsea head coach said, “Reece is absolutely fine. Romeo Lavia is getting stronger and stronger. We had a mini-practice match in the week, where he looked really good, which is great for him. Estevao, unfortunately, will be out for a little bit longer but Jamie Gittens is progressing really well in terms of his rehab.”
“Cucu is progressing really well but he won’t be available for Sunday. Hopefully, we get him back in as soon as possible. Levi is doing really well with his long-term rehab and Dario Essugo is back on the training pitch as well. Hopefully, we can get all these players fit and on the pitch before the end of the season.”
Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Arsenal on Sunday. The backline will feature Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Malo Gusto, with Adarabioyo replacing Fofana.
As for the midfield unit, Andrey Santos will pair up with Moises Caicedo in the double pivot, with Enzo Fernandez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Joao Pedro will lead the line for the away side against Arsenal, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto completing the numbers in the offensive unit.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Gusto; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
