Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview: Why is Raheem Sterling unable to face Chelsea today?

Arsenal make the trip across the capital to take on Chelsea this afternoon in a huge London Derby. Both teams are currently locked on 18 points after the Gunners’ dip in form saw them drop 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the race of the Premier League title following the Reds' 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have made a better start to the season than many expected under Enzo Maresca as they look to head into the international break in third place on 21 points. 

There are concerns for the Blues with Cole Palmer a doubt having sustained a knock at Manchester United last weekend. 

However, Arsenal may be without key players here, with Mikel Merino and Declan Rice doubts. At least Martin Odegaard is back for the Gunners with the Norwegian expected to make his first league start since the 1-1 draw with Brighton at the end of August. 

Arsenal, though, do have one confirmed offensive absentee in the final third for today’s game at Stamford Bridge. 

Raheem Sterling moved to Arsenal from Chelsea on deadline day to swell Mikel Arteta’s attacking ranks. Sterling was deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca in the summer and Arteta was keen on bringing the England attacker to the Emirates. 

Sterling moved across the capital on loan, which is why the 29-year-old is unavailable for Arteta today. Premier League rules state that loan players cannot play against their parent club, and it's for that reason why Jadon Sancho was unavailable to face Manchester United for Chelsea last weekend.