Concern for Arsenal as two players missing from training ahead of Chelsea clash

Arsenal’s preparations for Sunday’s huge clash against Chelsea have been disrupted by two fresh injury concerns.

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz reports that Cristhian Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes were both absent from Arsenal’s open training session this morning.

Declan Rice, who limped off during the Villa win, did train, while Jurrien Timber was ‘on the grass’ — though working on his own rather than with the group.

Mosquera came off during Monday’s win at Villa Park with a muscular issue.

Mikel Arteta suggested post-match that the young Spaniard was fine but had felt like he “was about to have something”, hinting at tightness rather than a serious problem. Hopefully his absence from training is just precautionary.

Regardless, Ezri Konsa came on to replace him against Villa and looks set to partner Gabriel Magalhaes against Chelsea on Sunday.

Having come through that debut cameo without concern, Konsa may not lose that starting berth until William Saliba’s return.

The Bruno situation is slightly more concerning. He missed the Coventry opener with groin tightness before returning to play the full second half at Villa, looking immediately at home alongside Declan Rice.

If that groin issue has flared up again, it would be a frustrating setback for a player who only arrived weeks ago.

The good news is that Arsenal’s midfield depth is pretty ridiculous. Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely keep his place alongside Rice on Sunday if the latter is fully fit.

If not, Martin Zubimendi looked refreshed and remotivated in his cameo against Villa and can step straight in without the level dropping.

Big game on Sunday. It’s the champions’ first test against a London rival, and Arteta will want his best players available.