The latest Arsenal vs Chelsea team news sees the Gunners gifted a welcome boost after the Blues confirmed on their website that star player Cole Palmer will be “absent due to illness”, alongside a number of other squad members.
The London derby takes place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, with the hosts chasing the Premier League title.
An Arsenal win would put them three points clear of Liverpool and four of Manchester City at the top of the table, albeit having played a game and two games more, respectively. Nonetheless, they will feel more confident of a victory if Palmer does not line up against them.
Arsenal vs Chelsea team news: Cole Palmer out with illness
Palmer missing for Chelsea is no doubt a significant boost for Arsenal. The Englishman has been a standout in an otherwise difficult season for the Blues, as he is currently the Premier League's joint-top scorer with 20 goals – alongside last season's Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland.
Four of those came in his last league outing against Everton – a 6-0 thrashing on Monday Night Football at Stamford Bridge. Palmer also boasts nine assists in a Chelsea team languishing in ninth place, only three behind current leader Ollie Watkins who has 12.
Palmer's scoring stats are slightly skewed by the fact nine of his league goals have been penalties, but one of those did come in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the reverse fixture.
He also scored against the Gunners for Manchester City in the Community Shield before his move to Stamford Bridge, so Mikel Arteta's side are well aware of the dangers he possesses.
Nonetheless, his absence will be a welcome boost for Arsenal, who are looking to get back to winning ways on home soil again after a draw and defeat to Bayern Munich and Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League previously.
