Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus joined up with the Arsenal squad ahead of Sunday’s game against Chelsea, boosting hopes that they could be fit to feature.
In a boost to Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea, football insider Hand of Arsenal reports that both Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus travelled with the squad to the team hotel the night ahead of the Chelsea game.
The same source added that both face a fitness test, and it’s worth mentioning that joining the squad ahead of a game doesn’t necessarily mean a player is fit to play that match.
Arsenal have occasionally brought players to the team hotel when they aren’t quite fit to play, like Martin Odegaard joining the squad ahead of last week’s game against Spurs.
All the same, players generally only link up with their teammates ahead of matches if they’re at least very close to being able to contribute on the pitch.
Jesus’ fitness has been aided this week by his inclusion in a behind-closed-doors game against Watford in midweek.
“It did happen,” Mikel Arteta confirmed in his press conference. “Gabi [Jesus] participated, and Ethan [Nwaneri] as well, because he wanted some minutes. We took the opportunity; they wanted a bit of exposure to competition, and providing that was very positive.”
Another doubt is around Leandro Trossard, who was forced off early in midweek. Arteta gave good news in his press conference, but wouldn’t guarantee that the winger will be in the squad.
“There’s another test today, we have to see how he’s feeling,” Arteta said. “It doesn’t look much, so we still have a few hours and we’ll have to see. There’s a potential chance (he could be available this weekend).”
There’s no expectation that Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes will be available at this stage, so there will be at least two absentees from Arsenal’s squad to face Chelsea. As for the other three, we’ll know more when the team news is announced on Sunday afternoon.