Massive boost for Chelsea as six key Arsenal players set to miss London derby

North London giants Arsenal could have six of their key players sidelined for their first Premier League fixture of the year 2018 as they get set to host London rivals Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

Germany international playmaker Mesut Ozil missed the journey to play West Brom in their last match of 2017 and the creative midfielder could also be sidelined for their next clash with Chelsea.

However, Arsene Wenger could have to contend with another problem after a disappointing goalless draw at the Hawthorns.

Frenchman Laurent Koscielny had to be substituted midway through the game and he was replaced by Germany defender Per Mertesacker in the second 45 minutes. Defender Sead Kolasinac, who was signed in the summer, was another casualty. He left the field in the first 45 minutes.

Welshman Aaron Ramsey was already a major concern and is fighting hard to regain his fitness while full-back Nacho Monreal also require treatment. Unsettled France striker Olivier Giroud has also been sidelined due to injury in recent weeks.

That could force Arsene Wenger to play youth players and fringe players after their heroic performances in the UEFA Europa League and the Carabao Cup in the last weeks of the year 2017.

However, Arsenal will have to put in a strong performance if the Blues are able to take the momentum they will have gathered from thrashing Stoke 5-0 in their last fixture to the Emirates Stadium.