This time last year, the narrative around Chelsea's meeting with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge focused on whether Cole Palmer had reached Bukayo Saka-levels of stardom. He had taken west London by storm during his first year with the Blues and was spearheading an unlikely title charge through the autumn. Now, though, the debate between the two rivals has shifted to midfielders Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly in line to make a "superhero" return to action in the north London derby. The Norwegian midfielder has sat out the Gunners' last seven games through injury, having endured a disrupted start to the 2025-26 campaign. He is, however, poised to hand manager Mikel Arteta a timely boost ahead of a home date with Tottenham.

Arsenal have learnt some worrying news on Martin Odegaard's fitness after Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed a concerning update on the midfielder's injury progress, casting serious doubt over when the 26-year-old will return to action with fears he could be sidelined beyond the international break.

Martin Odegaard has revealed the remarkable technique he is employing as he bids to speed up his comeback from injury. The Arsenal skipper suffered a shoulder injury against Leeds earlier in the season, which he re-aggravated in the home win over Nottingham Forest. However, it's a knee problem sustained against West Ham that has ruled Odegaard out since the start of October.

Marco Silva has rejected claims that Arsenal are suffering an injury crisis, using his pre-game Friday press conference ahead of his Fulham side's Premier League clash with the Gunners to highlight the strength of Mikel Arteta's squad. The Gunners will be without a bevy of attacking talent for the fixture, with Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all absent.