Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of their crunch Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend.
Ben Chilwell is a doubt for this week’s clash against the Gunners as he went off injured during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over West Ham United on Monday evening after suffering an ankle problem.
The summer signing from Leicester City has been sensational this season, contributing two goals and four assists in just 17 appearances across all competitions.
Given how well the England international has performed this season, this proves to be an incredible boost for Mikel Arteta’s side. The £45m summer signing has been a key man at both ends of the pitch for Frank Lampard’s men.
His defensive performances have been frightening with Chilwell averaging 1.5 tackles per league game. He’s also been dribbled past a mere 0.6 times in his 11 appearances in the top-flight, not a great sign for whoever was bound to play on the right-wing.
However, given his fate, Arteta can rest easy over who will start on the left-wing given they are most likely going to come up against Emerson Palmieri. The Italian proves a far more rash full-back than the Englishman, making 1.5 fouls per game compared to Chilwell’s 0.7. Palmieri also isn’t the best on the ball, averaging under 75% pass accuracy.
Chilwell’s injury could open up an opportunity to get at the Blues down their left-hand side. Arsenal haven’t displayed any of their attacking talents this season, scoring just 12 goals in the top division. They could do with some luck in their clash with the west London outfit, and seem to have already received it in the form of Chilwell’s fitness woes.
In other news, David Ornstein has revealed the Arsenal hierarchy’s thoughts on an under-fire figure.