Chelsea vs Arsenal build-up, Tuchel BLASTS Arteta’s match comments, Palace double swoop

Good morning Chelsea fans

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has given an update on injuries to three of his players ahead of tomorrow’s London derby against Arsenal.

The German said at a pre-match press conference: “Kova (Mateo Kovacic) is out with a ligament injury. Hopefully he won’t be out for more than two weeks.

“Technically, that’s a long time for us. Hopefully as short as possible.

“Callum Hudson-Odoi is out for the game and Ben Chilwell is out for the game.

“There are some dodgy players that we need to investigate but hopefully the rest is fine.”

Tuchel also admitted it’s unfortunate they will have fewer spectators for Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Sanctions against the club mean the number of fans will be limited to around 25,000 season ticket holders in the 40,000 stadium.

The German tactician said at a pre-game press conference: “It’s not an advantage. We want to play home games in front of a full stadium.

“The game is for viewers and supporters, so that’s actually bad news.”

Meanwhile, Mason Mount has been told by ex-Liverpool star Jose Enrique he talks too much after the Chelsea star claimed the Blues would beat the Reds in the FA Cup final.

Enrique said of Mount: “This guy talks a lot. He also did it to Toni Kroos [prior to Chelsea’s exit in the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid].

“Let’s see what happens in the final. At the moment you’ve already lost one to us this season. Come on the reds!!!”

Elsewhere, Chelsea will fly to America in July as part of their pre-season plans, taking on Arsenal in Orlando.

The Gunners meet London rivals Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on July 23.

The two teams will compete for the Florida Cup at Camping World Stadium, which is a candidate to host games during the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has admitted he was disappointed not to be able to play for Crystal Palace against parent club Chelsea.

He said: “It was quite difficult to watch. I got over the fact that I wasn’t playing, but when I saw the game I just wanted to be on the pitch and play.

“You always feel like you belong, even if you’re not playing and not in the squad.

“I’m proud of the boys. It was a good game to watch. Chelsea played well and were the better team that day.”

Finally, Chelsea loanee Emerson Palmieri has revealed he would have ‘no problem’ staying at Lyon beyond the end of the season.

Emerson was quizzed about his future on Tuesday and didn’t rule out a permanent Ligue 1 transfer.

He said, as quoted by FootMercato: “Of course, yes, I have no problem saying I can stay in Lyon.

“It is a pleasure to be here. There are different factors. It’s not just me.

“There are still six games to play and after that I have an answer for all of you.”