Chelseavs.Arsenal

The Blues' star man was the victim of a heavy tackle from Lisandro Martinez in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, and Maresca conceded before the 8-0 Conference League battering of FC Noah that he had not trained in the early part of this week.

However, the Chelsea boss is keeping his fingers crossed that Palmer will shake off his concern in time for the visit of the Gunners, but Jadon Sancho (knock/illness) is still a doubt, while Omari Kellyman's hamstring problem renders him unavailable too.

Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix both made their case to replace Palmer with braces in the obliteration of Noah, but if the latter is fit, he will no doubt pull the strings in the number 10 slot.

Palmer's 12 direct goal contributions in the 2024-25 Premier League season is more than any other player, and the ex-Manchester City starlet is poised to join Pedro Neto, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku in the final third.

Changes are also afoot further back, where Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo - who scored a wonderful volley to level matters against Man United last weekend - will reprise their midfield partnership.

A full complement of alterations are in store in defence too, as Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill prepare to shield undisputed number one Robert Sanchez once more.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson