Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Arsenal

After an inconsistent start to the campaign, Mauricio Pochettino has since watched his team record three consecutive victories in all competitions.

However, at a time when their injury situation is threatening to escalate once again, Chelsea head into this fixture sitting nine points adrift of the Gunners in the standings.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with their London rivals, who have defeated them three times in succession.

Ben Chilwell

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, and it is unlikely that he will be available for selection again until December.

Reece James

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Chelsea captain Reece James missed out against Burnley due to suspension as he went through the final stages of his recovery from a hamstring injury. However, reports have indicated that the right-back has sustained a fresh fitness issue, making him a huge doubt for this contest.

Christopher Nkunku

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Summer signing Christopher Nkunku is on course to return at the end of the year, with the Frenchman being forced to undergo an operation on a knee injury towards the start of August.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Benoit Badiashile is in the latter stages of his recovery from a hamstring problem, and there is a chance that the centre-back could be available for selection in this match.

Wesley Fofana

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Central defender Wesley Fofana faces a big battle to return before the end of the campaign, with the Frenchman undergoing an ACL operation in the middle of July.

Trevoh Chalobah

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Trevoh Chalobah is yet to feature this season due to a thigh problem, but the centre-back has a chance of being named in the squad for the contest with Arsenal.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Carney Chukwuemeka is again a major doubt for this fixture having allegedly suffered knee pain soon after recovering from an injury that kept him sidelined for over six weeks.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia is yet to make his debut for Chelsea due to a lack of fitness and an ankle injury, and the midfielder will not return until the end of November at the earliest.

Marcus Bettinelli

Status: Out

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: Unknown

Marcus Bettinelli is yet to feature this season due to an unspecified injury, and it is unclear when the experienced goalkeeper might be available for selection once again.

Armando Broja

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Fitness

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Although Armando Broja featured in the matches before the international break, he was sent home by Albania, who deemed that he was not fit enough to contribute. As it stands, it is unclear whether he will be available for selection on Saturday.

Cole Palmer

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Dead leg

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Cole Palmer was another player to return early from international duty, a consequence of suffering a dead leg while representing England Under-21s. However, there is every expectation that the playmaker will keep his place in the team.

Axel Disasi

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Axel Disasi missed out on representing France courtesy of a thigh strain picked up shortly before their double-header with Netherlands and Scotland. As it stands, it is unclear whether he will be able to line up in the first XI.

Nicolas Jackson

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Wrist

Possible return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Nicolas Jackson used the international break to have a minor operation on a wrist injury. However, it is expected that he will be available for selection.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

With James and Malo Gusto having served their respective bans, Chelsea have no suspension issues ahead of this fixture.