The match at Stamford Bridge, according to the frenchman, is likely to be an indicator on how Arsenal's campaign turns out. The usually calm and cool Arsene Wenger is rarely known to add hype to the top four clashes. However Arsene said “It will certainly give an indication of the strengths of the two sides, that is for sure. It’s not too early because it is a confrontation between two top teams. I don’t think it is a decisive game but it is a good indicator about the strengths in the Premier League.”
However Arsenal suffered a major blow when their skipper and talisman Cesc Fabregas was ruled out of sunday game. Fabregas suffered a hamstring injury after scoring a bizarre goal, which was later evened out by a Darren Bent strike. Initially Wenger gave Fabregas a 50:50 chance, but later admitted that his skipper was out of the top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea
This means a major blow for Arsenal. As they now go into the game with a fair few of their top-ranked superstars out with injury. The list includes Manuel Almunia (elbow), Kieran Gibbs (calf), Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Aaron Ramsey (leg), Theo Walcott (ankle) and Robin van Persie (ankle).
The supple silver lining comes in the from of Abou Diaby returning to the team after his ankle problem.
Chelsea have their full strength squad available for selection, with the exception of Frank Lampard.
Signing off,
Bedar
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