The Arsenal manager kept his usual guarded tone when asked about fresh injury concerns.

"Not so far," Arteta said on Friday. "We're waiting for tomorrow and the last training session to understand if we'll have one or two available from last week."

There was cautious optimism around Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined with a hamstring strain sustained after the win over Sunderland on 7 February. He had initially been ruled out for around a month.

"Kai will train tomorrow," Arteta confirmed, hinting that the German is edging closer to contention but stopping short of guaranteeing his involvement.

Ben White also remains a doubt after missing the north London derby. His minutes have been carefully managed throughout the campaign.

"And Ben, let's see," Arteta added.

There was more positive news regarding Max Dowman, who has been out since early December with ankle ligament damage. He was set to feature for the under-21s against Ipswich at Meadow Park, with next week's FA Cup trip to Mansfield Town a possible return date if he came through unscathed.

The title picture could tighten before kick-off, with Manchester City facing Leeds United on Saturday evening. Arsenal's advantage at the summit could be reduced to two points.

Chelsea arrive having dropped points from winning positions against Leeds and Burnley, but Arsenal's recent dominance in this fixture is clear - seven wins and three draws from the last 10 meetings, including a Carabao Cup semi-final triumph earlier this month.

Arteta dismissed talk of a psychological edge.

"What is important is the preparation," he said. "The preparation gives you confidence and the right emotional state to get to the game with the belief and the conviction that you're going to win it. And after that you have to have the right to do it."

He also acknowledged the tactical flexibility of Chelsea and manager Liam Rosenior.

"They've done different things, they can change throughout the game. They have the players and they have a manager that is very comfortable doing that," Arteta said. "We are prepared, and try to be better than them."

Sunday marks the start of seven matches in March across four competitions. Arteta insisted the month would not define the season, but he accepted its significance.

"I don't think March will define it, but it will be very important for what is going to be happening in April and May. Because there are competitions and knockout stages and then you are in or you are out."

With fixtures stacking up and margins tightening at the top, this was less about mind games and more about control. Arsenal know strong weeks now could shape everything that follows.

Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw