Arsenal Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Arsenal fitness progress under close scrutiny

Arteta has kept his cards close to his chest when discussing which players may return in time for the trip to west London. There is guarded optimism around multiple squad members who have spent recent weeks working their way back from injury.

The manager indicated that assessments would continue right up until matchday, with the staff encouraged by how certain individuals have responded to additional training sessions. Forward Leandro Trossard remains under watch after limping off in midweek European action, though early signs suggest his issue may not be as severe as initially feared. Arteta confirmed that a final check would be carried out to determine whether he can take his place in the travelling party.

Photo: IMAGO

Arteta evaluates Jesus and Gyökeres ahead of Chelsea

Gabriel Jesus has been edging nearer to a first-team return following his long-term knee setback, completing minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly at London Colney on Thursday. While the Brazilian has made significant progress, Arteta reiterated that careful monitoring is essential after an 11-month absence. The club want to ensure his body reacts positively to increased demands before committing him to a competitive return.

Summer arrival Viktor Gyökeres is also being evaluated closely after his recent hamstring complaint. Both forwards are believed to have travelled with the squad, offering a potential boost as Arsenal look to carry attacking momentum into one of the division’s most challenging fixtures.

Defensive decisions shaping Arteta’s plans

Cristhian Mosquera featured in Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, but Piero Hincapié was preferred in last weekend’s derby win over Tottenham. The rotation is expected to continue as Arteta weighs up which defensive blend best suits the threats posed by Chelsea.

Riccardo Calafiori, rested in midweek, is likely to return to the starting line-up. His left-sided balance and ability to progress the ball have made him a central piece of Arsenal’s defensive structure this season, and his reintegration could be crucial at Stamford Bridge.

Predicted Arsenal XI for crucial Chelsea visit

Arteta’s selection may hinge on last-minute fitness calls, but the expected shape remains the familiar 4-3-3. Arsenal are anticipated to line up as follows:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Madueke.

Players being monitored include Gyökeres (hamstring), Havertz (knee), Jesus (knee) and Trossard (calf). Gabriel remains unavailable with a thigh injury.

This fixture, kicking off at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday 30 November, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. With both Arsenal and Chelsea attempting to solidify their claims as credible title contenders, Arteta’s final selection decisions could be decisive in shaping the tone of the encounter.