Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta dropped the latest injury news on some of his key players ahead of facing Chelsea in the Premier League.
The two London rivals meet in a top of the table clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with kick off set for 4.30pm.
The Gunners can extend their lead at the summit to nine points with a win over the Blues, who occupy second place after 12 matches.
Latest Arsenal injury news ahead of crucial Chelsea clash
Leandro Trossard is a doubt to face Chelsea after being forced out of their midweek win over Bayern Munich with an apparent calf injury.
“With Leo, there is another test today, we’ll have to see how he’s feeling, and it doesn’t look like much, so we still have a few hours, and we’ll have to wait and see,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. He added there is a “potential chance” he could be available to play.
The Basque coach hinted that Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz could feature following injury layoffs. Gyokeres has missed the last four weeks of action with a hamstring injury, while Havertz has not played since the opening weekend after undergoing a minor procedure on a knee injury.
“We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everybody has come on,” he said. “Clear, not yet, but they are getting closer and closer. So, we are very positive with both of them – and let’s see.”
Arteta confirmed that Arsenal partook in a behind-closed-doors game to help some of their sidelined players, such as Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri, gain more match fitness.
“Yeah it did happen. Gabi, Ethan as well wanted some minutes, so we took the opportunity for players who wanted exposure. It was very positive.”
Gabriel Magalhaes remains doubtful after sustaining an adductor injury while playing for Brazil, but has not been ruled out of contention for the Chelsea game.
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