Arsenal and Chelsea have been handed fresh injury concerns ahead of their Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with several key players doubtful for the London derby.
Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and defender Cristhian Mosquera were reportedly absent from Thursday’s training session, raising questions over their availability for the weekend fixture.
The pair have been dealing with injury concerns in recent weeks and their absence from an open training session has increased uncertainty over whether they will be fit to face Chelsea.
Guimaraes previously suffered a minor groin problem during pre-season but recovered sufficiently to feature in Arsenal’s FA Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
He subsequently missed the opening league fixture before returning from the bench in the win over Aston Villa, playing the final 20 minutes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had earlier played down concerns over the midfielder’s condition, saying the club did not expect the problem to keep him out for an extended period.
“We expect that not to be weeks at all. Let’s see how he evolves this week,” Arteta said.
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The Arsenal boss also praised the player’s determination to remain on the pitch despite the discomfort.
However, it remains unclear whether Guimaraes is dealing with a recurrence of the same problem or was simply given additional recovery time.
Mosquera, meanwhile, has emerged as Arsenal’s latest defensive injury concern after being forced off during the victory over Aston Villa. Ezri Konsa replaced him during the game.
Arsenal are already without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Although Timber has resumed light training, he is reportedly not yet fit enough to be considered for Sunday’s matchday squad.
Chelsea are also facing fitness concerns ahead of the encounter, with midfielder Moises Caicedo and defender Marco Palestra reportedly doubtful.
Caicedo returned from the bench during Chelsea’s victory over Brighton & Hove Albion but lasted only 11 minutes before being forced off with another injury.
The midfielder is understood to be dealing with a minor knee problem, which has also kept him out of Chelsea’s victories over Fulham and Luton Town.
Palestra, meanwhile, has yet to make a competitive appearance for Chelsea since joining the club from Atalanta during the summer.
The defender has not featured in any matchday squad this season, while the exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed.
With both sides dealing with mounting fitness concerns, the availability of their key players could have a significant bearing on Sunday’s highly anticipated Premier League clash.
