Arsenal vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·6 September 2026

Arsenal vs Chelsea – Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal sit third in the Premier League table heading into Sunday’s derby with Chelsea, with a win at the Emirates Stadium the chance to close the gap on the teams above them.

Mikel Arteta’s side have the division’s best defensive record so far, yet to concede in either of their opening two matches. Sunday’s game arrives with defensive uncertainty for Arsenal after both Bruno Guimaraes and Cristhian Mosquera were withdrawn during the win at Villa Park.

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Arteta gave little away on either: “[Bruno] had a knock against Villa in the previous game and he’s being assessed. Hopefully tomorrow he will be okay for training.” On Mosquera, he added: “It was more precaution than anything else, so we’ll have to see in the session tomorrow how he feels.”

Arsenal team news

William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury and Arteta could not offer a firm return date: “We don’t really know the amount of weeks he’s going to be out because it’s about a healing process… the progression has been really positive in the last few weeks, but we need to wait and see.” Jurrien Timber, however, is back in full training and described by Arteta as “in a really good place,” with a decision on his involvement to follow Saturday’s session.

Declan Rice, also forced off against Villa, has trained through the week and is expected to be available. Should Mosquera be unable to feature, Ezri Konsa is in line for a full debut in central defence, with Arteta confirming he is “certainly available in the squad.” Arsenal’s attacking options remain thin following the deadline-day departures of Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and record sale Gabriel Martinelli, none of whom were directly replaced.