Chelsea are ninth within the Premier League – three points off seventh – and Palmer’s absence might be a blow to their hopes of qualifying for Europe.
However, it would boost Arsenal’s aspirations of winning the Premier League for the primary time in 20 years.
The Gunners’ hopes were dashed by a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa on April 14 but they revived with victory by the identical scoreline at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Tuesday’s game might be Arsenal’s fourth game in 10 days, but manager Mikel Arteta insists his side aren’t affected by the sudden change between fixtures.
He said: “We’ve been doing what we’ve been doing – focusing on the next game and the work ahead, preparing really well – as we’ve done in the time we’ve had.
“The boys look able to go again.”
Asked about the possibility of the Blues facing Palmer without a goal threat, he added: “I have no control over that, just my players who are available.
“Whoever they are. [Chelsea] Put it there, when you look at the quality of the squad it’s very good.
“They are doing thoroughly, they’ve had good results recently and so they are playing significantly better than where they’re within the table.
“It will be a tough match for sure.”
Defender Jurien Timber is out for Arsenal as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury on his debut. He is ready to play for the Gunners under-21s this week.
Credit : www.bbc.com
