Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal passed a tough test against Manchester City before the international break, and now they have to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City are the defending Premier League champions and have (arguably?) the best squad in England.
Arsenal beat them 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League before the international break.
On Saturday, Arsenal will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Chelsea were in good form before the international break.
After beating Brighton and Hove Albion in the EFL Cup, Mauricio Pochettino’s side got the better of Fulham and then Burnley in the Premier League.
Chelsea are starting to look very dangerous, with Raheem Sterling in top form, and it is going to be hard for Arsenal to win the London derby at Stamford Bridge.
And, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners could be without star defender William Saliba.
Saliba is one of the best young central defenders in the world.
Mikel Arteta on William Saliba for Arsenal vs Chelsea
The France international has been superb for Arsenal since the start of last season and was described as “exceptional” by Arteta in March 2023.
Saliba has a toe injury, and Arteta has suggested that the 22-year-old may not play against Chelsea.
When asked if Saliba’s injury could be a recurring one, Arteta said on Friday, as quoted on Arsenal’s official website: “Hopefully not but he has been carrying that for weeks now and we have to use that time to settle.
“We believe that this was the best moment to do it.”
Arteta was then asked if Saliba was a doubt for the London derby against Chelsea.
The Arsenal boss replied: “It depends on how he trains today.”
My View: William Saliba would be a big loss for Arsenal
I believe that Arsenal would be weaker at the back without William Saliba.
Chelsea are scoring goals and doing well in attack at the moment.
Without Saliba, Arsenal could struggle to keep the Chelsea attackers at bay.
After all, the defender is one of the best players in the team and is a rock at the back.
And let us not forget that the match will be held at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will be the home team and will go out attacking right from the first minute.
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