Chelsea and Arsenal suffer huge injury blows ahead of London derby

Both Chelsea and Arsenal have suffered huge injury blows ahead of the all-important London derby, which is scheduled to take place in the Premier League after the lengthy international break.

Following the confirmation of a two weeks international break across all leagues in Europe, Chelsea and Arsenal have seen two of their players withdraw from their respective country’s training camps due to injury.

What is the latest Chelsea injury update?

Axel Disasi [ Twitter/@ChelseaFC]

Chelsea FC’s injury woes keep getting worse as it was confirmed that the centre-back Axel Disasi was forced to withdraw from the French national team as a result of the quadricep injury sustained by the defender in the 4-1 mauling of Burnley over the weekend. This is a source of concern for the Blues, who still have key defenders missing in action due to one injury concern or the other.

Axel Disasi, from all indications, might be unavailable for the London derby, Chelsea vs Arsenal, which is scheduled to take place after the international break.

Check out the list of other players out for Chelsea due to one injury or the other here

What is the injury update for Arsenal FC after their victory over Manchester City?

Bukayo Saka [ Twitter/@ArsenalFC]

Arsenal star figure and England international Bukayo Saka has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. This was confirmed in an official statement released by England on Monday, October 9, 2023. Saka, who was not available for the Gunners victory over Manchester City after Mikel Arteta voiced his concerns about his fitness, was confirmed to be out injured and won’t feature in the international games for England against Australia and Italy.

The statement released by the England FA read. “The forward reported to St George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad. Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team, and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club. No replacements are planned with Gareth Southgate having a squad of 25 players to work with.”

Bukayo Saka is, however, not the only Arsenal player missing out during the international break due to injury, as it was also confirmed that William Saliba would also not be available for the French National team after he was substituted off in the victory over Manchester City on Sunday, October 8, 2023.