Fabrizio Romano issues Emile Smith Rowe update as Chelsea handed brutal double injury blow for Arsenal clash

Arsenal are now counting down the days until their return to action after the international break. The Gunners went into the break on the back of a big win over reigning champions Manchester City, and they return with a bang, facing London rivals Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta’s men are now two points ahead of City, and they will want to maintain some sort of gap between now and the next break, but they face a tough clash out of the gate against a resurgent Chelsea side. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Smith Rowe update

Fabrizio Romano has issued an update of sorts on the future of Emile Smith Rowe, who has been linked with a move away from North London. Smith Rowe has seen little action again this season.

“This (Smith Rowe) is a name that keeps coming up, but again I’m not aware of any concrete talk at this stage with Newcastle, let’s see closer to the January window,” Romano told Caught Offside. “As I always mentioned, Newcastle are not advancing on any signing now as it’s crucial for them to understand if they will be in UCL in the second part of the season before moving.”

Chelsea blow

Chelsea have suffered more injury blows ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend. The Blues have already been struggling with injuries this season, with Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana among the long-term absentees to start the season.

Ahead of facing the Gunners, Mauricio Pochettino has now seen the recoveries of Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka. Both players were expected back after the international break, but neither will be available for the arrival of Arsenal, with the club confirming the news on their official website on Wednesday afternoon.