Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is pushing to start Sunday’s crucial clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, following his successful comeback from injury.
Odegaard made his return to action on Wednesday night, coming off the bench in injury time during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.
Now, the Norwegian international is eager to start against Chelsea, boosting Arsenal’s hopes of securing a vital Premier League win.
“Everybody in the squad will be fit and available to start the game,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
“So then it will be a decision on whether it’s too early or whether it’s the right moment to start the game.”
However, Arsenal’s midfield options may be limited due to injuries. Declan Rice is a doubt due to a broken toe, having not trained this week.
Arteta remains uncertain about Rice’s availability, saying,
“I have to be very vague on that one because there’s no clarity if he’s going to be fit or not on the weekend.”
Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino are also questionable, with Havertz recovering from a head injury that required stitches and Merino struggling with illness. Arteta stated,
“We will have to wait to see how they react.“
Arsenal will definitely be without Raheem Sterling, who is ineligible to play against his parent club Chelsea.
Kieran Tierney (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are also sidelined due to injury.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea face a nervous wait over the fitness of star midfielder Cole Palmer ahead of Sunday’s pivotal Premier League match against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer, who picked up a knock against Manchester United, has been walking freely but missed most of the club’s training sessions this week. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains hopeful that Palmer will be available for selection.
“He is better,” Maresca said after Thursday’s 8-0 Conference League win over FC Noah.
“He is getting better. We still have two days, tomorrow and Saturday, to prepare for the game, and hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday. Then we will take the decision.”
If Palmer is deemed unfit, Joao Felix is poised to replace him in the No. 10 position, following his impressive two-goal performance against FC Noah.
Chelsea are expected to make significant changes to their lineup from Thursday’s Conference League victory, with Arsenal visiting Stamford Bridge level on 18 points with the Blues.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):_
Sanchez;
Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James;
Lavia, Caicedo;
Madueke, Palmer/Felix, Neto;
Jackson
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-4-2):
Raya;
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber;
Saka, Partey, Rice, Martinelli;
Havertz, Jesus
