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Cole Palmer has been omitted from Chelsea’s 20-man squad for their forthcoming match against Arsenal, while Gabriel Martinelli earns his first Arsenal start in nearly two months.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been left out of the matchday squad for their highly anticipated Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. This decision ends Palmer’s impressive streak of 28 consecutive league starts this season. The absence of the talented midfielder is a significant blow for Chelsea, who are looking to secure a crucial victory in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made several changes to the lineup following their recent Conference League win against Copenhagen. Robert Sanchez has been confirmed as the starting goalkeeper, reclaiming his spot as Chelsea’s No. 1 after a brief period on the bench. The defense sees the return of key players like Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana, while Pedro Neto is expected to lead the attack in the absence of Nicolas Jackson.
On the other side, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also revealed his team news, with Gabriel Martinelli making his first start in over a month after recovering from a hamstring injury. Arteta has opted for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri in the attacking lineup. However, Arsenal will still be without key players like Bukayo Saka, who is recovering from a hamstring tear, and Raheem Sterling, who is ineligible to face his parent club.
This London derby is a pivotal match for both teams, with Arsenal aiming to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool and Chelsea striving to solidify their position in the top four. The absence of Cole Palmer adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already intense rivalry, as fans eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
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