Mikel Arteta's biggest challenge with his Arsenal squad remains the fitness and sharpness of his players in the final four weeks of the season. As the Gunners prepare to take on Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, the head coach is tasked with getting his team ready for a fourth game in 10 days.

After the physical and emotional demands of three huge games last week, Arsenal now welcome Mauricio Pochettino's dangerous Blues to the Emirates Stadium with player burnout remaining a possibility. "When I saw them this morning I have to stop them because winning is a big boost of energy," Arteta said before the match when asked about his players entering the 'red zone.'

"After the performance against Wolves and winning, they have a London derby tomorrow and everybody is ready for it. Something else is the volume of the games but now is not the moment to look at this. It is just to think in a positive way, to think and feel that we are fresh."

The manager has very little to immediately worry about with his squad after fitness issues soften at a key time though. Here, football.london has the latest from the Arsenal treatment room.

Jurrien Timber

The 22-year-old started his first game for eight months in a 2-2 draw for the Under-21 side away to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2 on Monday night. He announced his return to the field with a stunning goal after just eight minutes.

Timber has been out of the team since August after picking up a damaging Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest. Arteta has described playing with the academy as the 'final step' in his recovery.

Injury: Knee.

What Arteta has said: "That's a quick step! [playing against Tottenham next weekend] Let's see how he feels today [Monday]. He has been training really good, he looks ready.

"He needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games."

Potential return date: Unknown.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

After starting against Bayern Munich in the week, Tomiyasu was left out of the squad to face Wolves. Upon announcing the starting XI, Arsenal wrote: "Takehiro Tomiyasu has been left out as a precaution after picking up a knock on Wednesday."

Injury: Knock

What Arteta has said: "He [Tomiyasu] had a knock in the game and he had a bit of swelling and he wasn’t fit to play this game."

Potential return date: Chelsea (H) - Tuesday, April 23

Bukayo Saka

Saka was seen limping toward the end of the Villa defeat. He came close to scoring in the first half but struggled to impact the game after the break and played the full 90 minutes at Bayern. Saka was again spotted hobbling in the late stages against Wolves, after being fouled on four separate occasions, but no major issue appeared to be present.

Injury: Unknown.

Potential return date: N/A

You can find this story in   My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.