LATEST ARSENAL INJURY NEWS FOR CHELSEA WITH KEY PLAYER TO MISS OUT AND BUKAYO SAKA WORRY EXPLAINED

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad is in good shape as they gear up to take on Chelsea in a vital Premier League clash on Tuesday. The Gunners are coming off a testing week physically and mentally after consecutive defeats to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, but they returned to the top of the table on Saturday night.

They now have the chance to go three points clear of Liverpool in second and four ahead of Manchester City before their matches this midweek. Even though that can all change with games in hand, it would represent a significant change in pressure.

Arteta is worried about his players being pushed too far, though. "I don't know. When I saw them this morning, I have to stop them because winning is a big boost of energy," he said on Monday about his side burning out and entering the 'red zone.' "After the performance against Wolves and winning, they have a London derby tomorrow and everybody is ready for it.

"Something else is the volume of the games, but now is not the moment to look at this. It is just to think in a positive way, to think and feel that we are fresh." It will be the fourth match in 10 days for Arsenal, the same amount that saw City midfielder Rodri complain of fatigue, subsequently leading to him being rested for the 5-1 win over Luton.

The fitness problems have largely dissipated for the boss in recent weeks, but balancing his squad's freshness and game time remains a challenge. Bukayo Saka has been seen struggling towards the ends of games despite regularly completing matches, and the same was true against Wolves on Saturday.

He was spotted hobbling after a quiet second half at Molineux. The 22-year-old had once more been on the receiving end of some tough challenges and is a player Arteta is keen to keep in top shape.

READ MORE: What Declan Rice did to Jakub Kiwior proves Arsenal can push Man City and Liverpool all the way

READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves as David Raya and Gabriel Jesus show up for below par Gunners

The Gunners boss didn't have anything to add on the subject, though, indicating that he is likely to feature again when Chelsea come to town. Takehiro Tomiyasu is more of a doubt, having missed the weekend's game.

That was just precautionary, the club confirmed, with the full-back picking up a knock in Bavaira. "He [Tomiyasu] had a knock in the game and he had a bit of swelling and he wasn’t fit to play this game," explained Arteta on Saturday.

The only other player of note currently is Jurrien Timber. He is yet to make a full return to competitive action but will be involved with the club's Under-21s on Monday night away to Blackburn. Arteta described playing with the academy sides as the 'final step' previously, but is coy on his Dutchman being back for next weekend even if he comes through unscathed.

"That's a quick step! Let's see how he feels today," the Spaniard said. "He has been training really good, he looks ready. He needs that exposure, and after that, we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games."

Outside of this, Arsenal are looking towards keeping fitness up and not sustaining any more long-term knocks.

2024-04-22T18:08:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd