Arteta injury update before Arsenal vs Chelsea live: Timber, Guimaraes and Mosquera assessed
Mikel Arteta gave a Friday squad update ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea on Sunday. Timber, Guimaraes and Mosquera are being assessed before the London derby.
Published 5 Sept 2026Updated 16 Oct 20262 min read
Sunday's London derby just tightened
Mikel Arteta used his Friday media session to put three first-team names on the assessment list less than 48 hours before Arsenal vs Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.
Arteta said Bruno Guimaraes picked up a knock against Aston Villa and was being assessed, adding that the midfielder would probably be OK for Saturday training. Cristhian Mosquera's withdrawal against Villa was described as precaution rather than a new problem. Jurrien Timber is training with the group, with the manager saying the club will decide after Saturday work whether he is ready. Ezri Konsa, Arteta confirmed, is available to start.
William Saliba remains out with a back injury. That combination of confirmed absences and late fitness calls is the story before kick-off. Arsenal vs Chelsea is scheduled for 16:30 BST on Sunday 6 September 2026 at the Emirates.
Where to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea live
Official club and broadcaster listings confirm the fixture on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the United Kingdom. NBC Sports lists the same match at 11:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Telemundo in the United States. Coverage in the UK is listed to start at 16:00 BST.
Arteta also addressed the wider squad question after a summer in which Arsenal added fewer attacking options than some rivals. Asked whether the group was stronger than in May, he said yes. “Now we have to prove it,” he added, saying the team is better equipped, with more players available than at the start of last season and more leadership in the group.
That statement now sits next to a live selection problem. Guimaraes, signed from Newcastle, is the highest-profile doubt in midfield. Timber's possible return would change the right side of defence. Mosquera's status will dictate how Arteta covers the centre with Saliba still absent.
Final availability will be settled after Saturday training, then confirmed in the teamsheet before kick-off.