| Arsenal vs Chelsea | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Arsenal vs Chelsea
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COMPETITION :
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EFL Cup
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| DATE: |
04 - 02 - 2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Emirates Stadium
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Team News & Predicted Selection
Arsenal are dealing with a few notable fitness concerns heading into this clash. Max Dowman has been ruled out with an ankle injury, while Bukayo Saka remains a doubt after failing to fully recover in time. There are also serious concerns over Mikel Merino, who could miss the remainder of the season due to a persistent foot problem.
If Saka is unavailable, Noni Madueke is expected to continue on the right flank, forming an attacking quartet alongside Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyökeres. Arsenal’s midfield pairing should remain unchanged, with Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice anchoring the centre of the park.
At the back, continuity looks likely following the emphatic 4-0 win over Leeds at the weekend, with the defensive unit expected to be retained.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns. Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dário Essugo, Romeo Lavia, and Jamie Gittens are all unlikely to feature after missing recent sessions.
However, Chelsea received a major boost last weekend as Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, João Pedro, and Reece James all made decisive contributions off the bench in their comeback victory over West Ham. On the strength of those performances, all four are expected to be promoted to the starting XI here.
That shake-up could see Malo Gusto, Benoît Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, and Alejandro Garnacho drop to the bench as Chelsea look to build momentum with a more aggressive, first-choice lineup.