Arteta facing triple dilemma for Chelsea as Arsenal undroppable emerges amid key injury return
Mikel Arteta is facing a huge team selection dilemma ahead of taking his Arsenal side to Stamford Bridge for a London Derby against Chelsea. The Gunners head into the clash behind bitter rivals Tottenham on goals scored after securing a huge win against reigning champions Manchester City prior to the international break.
Both teams are facing a number of injury worries for the game with Cole Palmer and Reece James as doubts for the hosts meanwhile Arteta is likely sweating on the fitness of both Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey. After picking up a hamstring issue in the Champions League clash against RC Lens, Saka missed the win over Pep Guardiola's side and he was also omitted from international duty with England.
Partey meanwhile, made his first start in nearly six weeks for Ghana in their 2-0 friendly defeat to Mexico, although he was withdrawn at half time. In the build up to the game, the 30-year-old was again spotted with Arsenal physio Simon Murphy who has previously accompanied Partey on international duty when he has been dealing with fitness problems.
However, the early substitution was not because of an injury concern according to Black Stars boss Chris Hughton. «Thomas was always only going to play 45 minutes,» the former Norwich City and Brighton boss said. «He has been out injured for three to four weeks, he came back for Arsenal last midweek, was on the subs bench for one game and played 20 minutes for the next game. So we knew he was only going to play 45 minutes.»
With Arteta's concerns alleviated and Partey getting another 45 minutes under his belt, it hands the Arsenal boss a huge dilemma. Prior to his groin injury, Partey had been deployed at right-back before inverting when the Gunners had possession with
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