Speaking in his pre-match briefing on Friday, Arteta said forwards Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz are “moving in the right direction” following their respective hamstring and knee problems. Both players have been absent for weeks, forcing Arsenal to adapt tactically and rely on makeshift attacking solutions.

“We still need one more training session to be sure,” Arteta said. “They’ve made good progress this week, so we’re optimistic. If everything goes well, they could be involved.”

Arsenal’s preparations had been overshadowed by Leandro Trossard’s knock in midweek, but Arteta played down concerns, describing the injury as “minor” and confirming the Belgian will undergo further assessment before the squad travels to Stamford Bridge.

In a further boost, Gabriel Jesus is stepping up his recovery from a long-term ACL injury after featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week. Arteta welcomed the development but remained cautious: “It’s been nearly a year out, so we have to monitor every reaction closely. He’s close, but we won’t take risks.”

There was less encouraging news regarding centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, who continues to recover from a thigh injury sustained on international duty with Brazil. Arteta said the defender is “progressing well” but still requires additional scans before the club can outline a realistic return date.

Arsenal head into the weekend buoyed by their impressive Champions League win over Bayern Munich a performance Arteta described as “a step forward” but the Spaniard stressed that squad depth will be decisive heading into a congested December schedule.

“We need everyone available,” he added. “This period tests every team. Getting players back gives us balance and competition, and that’s how we push our level higher.”

Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge knowing victory would keep them firmly in the title race and Arteta may finally have the attacking options he has been missing for much of the season.