Chelsea take on Arsenal this weekend in a fascinating match at Stamford Bridge, and Blues fans already think Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is playing some early mind games.
Chelsea host London rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, which is the final fixture before the November international break.
There’s some uncertainty in both camps about the fitness of some key players going into tomorrow’s showdown.
For the Blues, Cole Palmer’s availability is still a bit up in the air because of an injury he picked up last Sunday in the draw with Manchester United. However, one Chelsea source expects Palmer to be fine to play against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been absent this week after picking up a knock in his side’s defeat to Newcastle United last weekend.
Mikel Arteta update on Declan Rice’s availability
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta held his weekly pre-match interview on Friday ahead of the short trip on Sunday to Chelsea. He decided to keep his cards close to his chest regarding midfield star Rice, 25, and his chances of playing this weekend.
When asked about Rice’s availability for Chelsea, Arteta told Sky Sports News: “I have to be very vague on that one because there is no clarity if he is going to be fit or not for the weekend. He hasn’t trained yet and it is not clear yet whether he is going to be available or not to play.”
When he’s fit, Rice starts in the centre of the park for Arsenal and is usually one of their outstanding players. It would be very interesting to see him go up against in-form Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea always thought Caicedo was a better all-round player than Rice, despite being linked with both players back in 2023.
Chelsea fans don’t buy Mikel Arteta’s comments
Many Chelsea supporters on social media are convinced that Rice will be in Arsenal’s starting line-up this weekend after hearing Arteta’s comments.
Here are Blues fans on X discussing Rice’s availability against them:
@tradu81 wrote: “Arteta is desperate, so Rice will play.”
@gyenpee posted: “I don’t trust this man (Arteta), Rice will be the first person to be on the field.”
@lopelumi1 added: “We already know he’s playing.”
@DonGame98832679 said: “Nice bait.”
@nyonyofabulous claimed: “Lol, forget it, Rice is playing from the start and will go the 90… Trust Arteta at your own risk.”
It’s interesting that both Rice and Palmer have been named in Lee Carsley’s 26-man England squad for the imminent international break, so let’s see if either are involved in Chelsea versus Arsenal tomorrow.
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