Tonight, all eyes in English football will be on the Emirates Stadium for the highly anticipated London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, the highlight of the 13th round of the 2025-2026 Premier League season. However, this encounter comes under exceptional circumstances, as both teams are suffering from a long list of key absences that could reshape the game and force the managers to rethink their tactical plans.
Historically, matches between Arsenal and Chelsea have a special significance that transcends the mere exchange of three points. It's a battle for supremacy in London, a sporting rivalry spanning decades and marked by unforgettable moments and fierce competition for domestic and continental titles. This fixture has always been a stage for intense rivalry and high tension, with neither team acknowledging the other's superiority regardless of their position in the league table. This makes tonight's outcome even more difficult to predict, especially given the current circumstances.
Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, enter the match looking to maintain their position in the title race, but they face a significant challenge with the absence of five key players. The absence of Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhães is a clear weakness in the back line, while the midfield lacks much-needed dynamism with the absence of German midfielder Kai Havertz, who was expected to deliver a standout performance against his former club. The biggest crisis lies in the attack, where the team will be missing three of its most potent weapons: Victor Guixesres, Gabriel Jesus, and Belgian Leandro Trossard. These collective absences put Arteta in a real predicament and may force him to rely on young players or completely overhaul his attacking strategy.
Meanwhile, the situation is not much different at Chelsea, where manager Mauricio Pochettino faces a similar nightmare. The Blues will be without the pace and skill of wingers Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Modric, reducing their individual options and ability to penetrate opposing defenses. The defense is also affected by the absence of young Levi Colwell, while the absence of Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia leaves a void in midfield. The list of absentees is completed by the departure of young striker Dario Isogo, further limiting Pochettino's options on the bench.
These significant absences in both squads open the door to all possibilities, making the match a true test of squad depth and the coaches' ability to find suitable tactical solutions. Small details, individual errors, and the brilliance of some substitute players are expected to play a decisive role in determining the winner of this London derby, which promises to be a thrilling encounter despite all the circumstances.
Arsenal's absences
- Gabriel Magalhães
- Kai Havertz
- Victor Giokesris
- Gabriel Jesus
- Leandro Trossard
Chelsea's absences
- Raheem Sterling
- Mikhailo Modric
- Dario Esogou
- Levi Colwell
- Romeo Lavia
