Phil Haigh
Published November 30, 2025 8:15pm
Updated November 30, 2025 8:15pm
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Gabriel is still facing a number of weeks on the sidelines (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal had to do without both Gabriel and William Saliba at Chelsea on Sunday and the Brazilian will not be back for ‘some weeks’ yet.
Both first-choice centre-backs were out of action at Stamford Bridge, with Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera at the heart of Arsenal’s defence as a result.
The feisty London derby ended 1-1, with Moises Caicedo sent-off in the first half, but Trevoh Chalobah putting Chelsea ahead shortly after the break nevertheless.
Mikel Merino equalised for Arsenal just before the hour mark and that’s how the match finished, with the Gunners remaining five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Gabriel was never going to be involved in this one due to the thigh injury he suffered on international duty with Brazil, while Saliba’s absence was a surprise and down to a knock in training.
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Asked for the latest on both after the game, Arteta said: ‘I don’t know. I think [Wilo] has another test tomorrow to see the extent of that feeling, that sensation that he had, then we’ll know more.
‘With Gabi, there are still some weeks to go.’
William Saliba picked up an injury in training this week (Picture: Getty Images)
Explaining why Saliba was not involved before kick-off on Sunday, Arteta said of the Frenchman: ‘Yesterday in training he was uncomfortable, so we need to explore a little bit more what happened.
‘I don’t think it’s something major, but enough not to be involved in the game.’
Arsenal’s squad depth has been widely praised this season and it was on show again at Stamford Bridge as Mosquera and Hincapie did well enough against a good Chelsea side.
Gabriel picked up the injury while on international duty with Brazil (Picture: Getty Images)
However, Arteta admits losing both Gabriel and Saliba has been testing.
‘It’s been a headache, because we’ve had to have a lot of options and changes over the last few months for different reasons,’ he said.
‘That one [Saliba] is very unexpected and it happened yesterday, but the beauty of it is that you have players so willing to play, so willing to connect with each other, and it makes their relationship even better.
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‘So, it was a great match for all of us, and it gives you the reassurance that whoever is there is going to perform.’
He added: ‘To be fair, [our depth] has been tested since pre-season, because we lost six or seven players constantly out of the squad. But I have no doubts with the squad we have and the mentality every player has.’
Metro at the Match: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Trevor Chalboh headed Chelsea ahead (Picture: Getty)
From Stamford Bridge, Metro’s Ben Fleming breaks down the winners and losers from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Caicedo sees Red
The big midfield match-up between Rice and Caicedo fizzled out before half-time when the latter was sent off for a poor challenge on Merino. The Ecuadorian was solid up until that point, but his red card stunted what had been an impressive first half from the hosts.
Estevao shows his age
Estevao lit up Stamford Bridge in midweek against Barcelona but spurned one golden opportunity and was otherwise kept quiet by Calafiori before making way at the break. Perhaps a sign from Chelsea fans to not expect the world from this mercurial teenager just yet.
James delivers a captain’s performance
Reece James was a monster in the middle of the park (Picture: Getty)
A true captain’s display from James in front of his home fans. Ran the show in midfield, even before Caicedo’s departure, and continued in that vein after the break, providing the assist for Chalobah’s goal with a superb set-piece delivery.
Chelsea match ratings: Sanchez 7, Gusto 7, Fofana 5, Chalobah 7, Cucurella 7, James 9, Caicedo 3, Estevao 5, Enzo 6, Neto 7, Joao Pedro 6. Subs: Garnacho 6, Delap 6.
Merino the makeshift no more
Mikel Merino levelled for Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Viktor Gyokeres was a welcome return to the Arsenal bench, but might he have to wait for his opportunity? Mikel Merino continues to exceed expectations leading the line, and showed true striker’s instinct to ghost behind Fofana and head Arsenal level.
Hincapie up for the fight
Starting his second successive league game, it’s clear to see what Arsenal saw in Hincapie. The left-footed centre-back is rough around the edges, but a bundle of aggression in both boxes, and virtually licked his lips with enjoyment after dispossessing Neto inside his own box.
Arsenal match ratings: Raya 6, Timber 7, Mosquera 6, Hincapie 7, Calafiori 7, Rice 7, Zubimendi 6, Eze 6, Saka 7, Martinelli 6, Merino 8. Subs: Lewis-Skelly 7, Madueke 6, Odegaard 6, Gyokeres 6.
There was positive injury news for Arteta as the Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus were both on the bench, as was Martin Odegaard.
Other than the two centre-backs, it is now just Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard who are sidelined.
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