Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Chelsea

Arsenal play host to London rivals Chelsea on Sunday afternoon as Mikel Arteta takes charge of his first game at the Emirates Stadium.

Having been named as the successor to Unai Emery, Arteta began his reign with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

However, the Gunners remain in the bottom half of the Premier League standings, keeping the pressure on the Spaniard and his squad heading into the upcoming derby showdown.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest.

Gabriel Martinelli

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: December 29 (vs. Chelsea)

Martinelli complained of a tight hamstring after the meeting with Everton, which subsequently ruled the youngster out of the Bournemouth game. However, the issue is not expected to sideline him in the long term.

Dani Ceballos

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: December 29 (vs. Chelsea)

While Ceballos had been in contention for the game at Bournemouth, the Spaniard ultimately missed out. However, the playmaker may be deemed fit enough to feature on the bench at the weekend.

Rob Holding

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Manchester United)

After suffering bruising to his knee a number of weeks ago, Holding has remained on the sidelines ever since. However, the centre-back has made good progress, with the club's medical staff currently assessing whether he will be available for Sunday.

Sead Kolasinac

Status: Out Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: Unknown

Kolasinac picked up an ankle ligament injury against Manchester City on December 15, leading to his immediate withdrawal. The left-back has been pencilled in to return at some point during January.

Hector Bellerin

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: December 29 (vs. Chelsea)

Bellerin has been absent from the first-team squad since feeling a twinge in his hamstring before the meeting with West Ham United on December 11. However, the Spaniard could be involved in one of the next two matches over the Christmas and New Year period.

Kieran Tierney

Status: Out Type of injury: Shoulder Possible return date: Unknown

Having dislocated his shoulder against West Ham, Tierney is not expected to return until March at the earliest.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Head Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Man United)

On Boxing Day, Sokratis needed to be substituted after suffering a head injury. Given the short turnaround and with Calum Chambers available again after suspension, Arsenal are unlikely to take any risks.