Arsenal is likely to be without both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette for Sunday’s Premier League game at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta and his men would look to make amends as they welcome London rivals Chelsea at home. Losing to Brentford was not the best way to start the season and a turnaround is Arsenal’s desperate need at the moment.
The two strikers were absent from last week's defeat due to a positive Coronavirus test. Aubameyang has a slim chance of making a return, but striker partner Alexandre Lacazette will be unavailable.
Players on Arsenal fringes like Alex Runarsson and Willian also contracted the COVID-19 before Friday’s loss to Brentford.
Mikel Arteta has admitted that he was astonished at the decision to allow the game to go ahead despite this case scenario.
Arsenal may have announced the arrival of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United ahead of the Chelsea game.
But Bernd Leno is expected to keep his place in between the sticks for this match. Pablo Mari and new signing Ben White were not at their possible best at Brentford Community Stadium.
But would continue in the centre back pairing since Gabriel Magalhaes is injured while Thomas Partey's unavailability ensured that Albert Sambi Lokonga will be featured once more in the midfield.
Arsenal announced the coming in of Martin Odegaard on Friday morning, but with visa issues, a barrier to his second debut for the club, youngster Emile Smith Rome will continue in the Number 10 role.
Bukayo Saka should be ready to start after a positives few minutes showing against newly-promoted Brentford.
Nicolas Pepe is likely to play on the opposite wings in view of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's absence.
Folarin Balogun struggled up front against the new Premier League boys last week, and Gabriel Martinelli is being prepared to lead Arsenal's quest for a goal against Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side.
Arsenal possible starting line-up;
Bernd Leno; Calum Chambers, Ben White, Pablo Mari, Kieran Tierney; Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pepe; Gabriel Martinelli.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
