Arsenal's starting lineup against Chelsea has contained a few surprises.
Pablo Mari and Emile Smith Rowe have been handed their first Premier League starts of the season, mainly because some members of Mikel Arteta's squad are following coronavirus protocols.
Brazilian trio Gabriel Magalhaes, Willian, and David Luiz have all been left out of the Arsenal matchday squad for the game at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta delivered an update on the aforementioned players.
"David and Willian, they were feeling unwell, but they both tested negative [for Covid-19], but following the protocols we have kept them away," Arteta told Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Gabriel, who returned from suspension against Man City is missing after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
"With Gabriel he was in touch with somebody who has tested positive, so following the protocols as well," Arteta added.
"He needs to be out.
"It is what it is in this Covid world, this can happen to any team, it's happened to us now at a really bad time, but that's the reason why we have other players."
As mentioned above, the absence of Gabriel and David Luiz allows Pablo Mari to step in and partner Rob Holding at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
It's the Spaniard's first appearance in the Premier League since the first game post-lockdown last season when he was injured against Manchester City.
As per Government guidelines regarding self-isolation, Gabriel is set to be out of action for up to 10 days.
That rules him out of the clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday as well as the trip to West Brom on New Year's Day.
