Chelsea suffer shock injury blow ahead of Arsenal clash

Premier League Champions Chelsea will be without summer signing Danny Drinkwater until the month of October after the England midfielder was ruled out of the clash with a calf injury.

The former Leicester City midfielder was listed as a minor doubt for the London derby this weekend, and some Chelsea faithful were hopeful the midfielder would shake off the injury in time for the Premier League match of the week when he could make his debut for the West Londoners.

His Chelsea debut is now on hold as the 27-year-old, who cost Chelsea boss Antonio Conte £35m on summer transfer deadline day, was ruled out.

Antonio Conte said the midfielder needs time to recover from a muscular injury in his calf.

Belgium international Eden Hazard, however, could play some part for Chelsea after coming on twice after recovering well from the ankle problem he picked up while representing his national team back in June. When asked about Eden Hazard, he said the attacker is improving well and to have this kind of patience he believes is paying off.

Arsenal also have slight injury concerns over Welshman Aaron Ramsey and German Mesut Ozil, but both players should be fit enough for selection on Sunday.

Defender Francis Coquelin has been ruled out, while Chile international Alexis Sanchez is still struggling to regain full fitness and sharpness. Spain international midfielder Santi Cazorla is also not available for the derby.