Arsenal lineup vs. Chelsea: Possible XI Kai Havertz set to start, Odegaard’s return – Three changes for Arsenal ahead of Chelsea match as Declan Rice calls made…

Arsenal’s lineup against Chelsea: Projected XI for Premier League encounter as Rice and Odegaard are included.

Kai Havertz set to start, Odegaard’s return – Three changes for Arsenal ahead of Chelsea match

Arsenal’s lineup against Chelsea: Projected XI includes Kai Havertz in the starting position, with Odegaard making his return.

Three adjustments are anticipated for Arsenal prior to the match against Chelsea, as Declan Rice’s selections are confirmed.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will have the opportunity to demonstrate his fitness for the Premier League London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was sidelined during the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan due to a foot injury, suspected to be a broken toe.

However, he may opt to play through the discomfort to be part of the squad.

While Rice’s situation poses a challenge, Mikel Arteta received encouraging news with Martin Odegaard’s return from an ankle injury, even though he only participated in the final moments of the previous match.

Arteta will also need to evaluate Kai Havertz following his head injury sustained midweek.

Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Kieran Tierney (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), and Raheem Sterling (ineligible) will not be available.

Arteta is optimistic that Havertz’s injury is merely a cut rather than a concussion, but if protocols require it, Gabriel Jesus may seize a rare chance to play alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Odegaard’s return is likely to end Leandro Trossard’s unsuccessful role in midfield, while Rice is expected to partner with his captain and Thomas Partey, pushing Mikel Merino to the bench.

The defensive lineup is anticipated to remain unchanged, with Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba providing protection in front of David Raya.

Projected Arsenal starting lineup:

Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.