Major boost for Chelsea as Arsenal’s £50m new signing ruled out of London derby

Chelsea receive boost ahead of London derby as Ben White ruled out of the game

According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Ben White will not feature for Arsenal in their London derby against Chelsea on Sunday after the defender tested positive for Covid-19.

The former Brighton defender, who joined Arsenal earlier this summer for £50million, will not be available for selection on Sunday as the Gunners prepare to take on the Blues in what is expected to be a hotly contested tie given the rivalry among the two clubs.

23-year-old White made his Arsenal debut last weekend against Brentford as the Gunners lost to the Bees by two goals. 

The defender’s loss will be a huge problem for Arteta, who is also missing Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Magalhaes for this game, while the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Willian will be assessed if they are fit to feature before the game.

This will be a huge boost for Chelsea, who are looking to get a win at the Emirates today, after having lost there last season. 

The Blues, unlike Arsenal, do not have as many injury issues with the club only without Christian Pulisic, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week. The American is set to be in isolation for 10 days in adherence to the UK guidelines. 

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N’Golo Kante, who missed the game against Crystal Palace last weekend, is back in training and could be in contention to feature on the weekend, while Hakim Ziyech has also returned to training after his shoulder injury and the Moroccan could play for the Blues on Sunday.

Chelsea’s summer signing in Romelu Lukaku is also fit and raring to go for the London derby. A victory at the Emirates will make it two out of two for Tuchel’s men, who have had a good start to the season.