ARSENAL must get a result away at Chelsea to avoid losing four matches in a row and suffering a further dent to their Champions League hopes.
But they may be able to welcome back two stars who are racing to be fit.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will be battling it out to start at Chelsea Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The Gunners are enduring a horror spell after defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.
They take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night with a 7.45pm kick-off under the lights.
The Blues bounced back from heartbreak against Real Madrid to get past Palace, booking their spot in the FA Cup final.
That win came 24 hours after Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a shock 1-0 loss at St Mary’s.
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Redmond criticises Gunners, operation ‘The Arsenal Way’ has been launched Captain Alexandre Lacazette missed the game due to Covid with Eddie Nketiah handed a rare start.
Cedric Soares continued at right-back but could finally return to the bench if long-term absentee Takehiro Tomiyasu is passed fit.
Arteta said: “With Laca we are assessing him today to see if he is available with the team, obviously as you all know he had Covid so he’s been away for a few days.
“So we’re trying to get (how) he’s feeling and where he’s at if he can contribute somehow with the team.
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“Tomi is very, very close. Whether this game is going to be too early for him or not, again we will decide it today after the training session.”
Aaron Ramsdale is set to start in goal with the Ben White and Gabriel carrying on at centre-back – although recent results could spark a shake up.
Nuno Tavares will likely be at left-back with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka in midfield.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard should start with one of Emile Smith Rowe or Gabriel Martinelli on the left, supporting either Nketiah or Lacazette as the No9.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been sorely missed for the Gunners since January Credit: Alamy Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk