Chelsea vs Arsenal: Antonio Conte coy on Eden Hazard, Danny Drinkwater out

Chelsea have suffered an injury blow as summer signing Danny Drinkwater will have to wait another month to make his debut.

Drinkwater joined the Blues from Leicester for £35million on transfer deadline day at the end of August, but suffered a muscular injury at the start of the week.

Coach Antonio Conte has revealed the England international now faces a spell on the sidelines and does not expect him to be available until after the next international break when they face Crystal Palace on October 14th.

Conte said: "He had a muscular problem in his calf and it is very difficult to see him (back) before the international break. He needs time to recover.

"It’s a pity because he was starting to work, to improve his physical condition and understand our idea of football. Now we have to move all these situations (rotation of team) for two-three weeks - I don’t know."

Chelsea face Arsenal on Sunday, but Conte refused to confirm whether Eden Hazard or captain Gary Cahill will start.

Hazard has made two substitute appearances for Chelsea since returning to fitness following a fractured ankle, while Cahill has missed the last three League games through suspension and made his comeback against Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Conte added: "About Eden for sure he is improving. To have this type of patience with him is paying off. He is very close to being totally fit, we have to continue in this way.

"I have to make the best decision for the team, for the players. He is improving a lot and is very close to being 10o per cent fit.

"For Gary, he came back against Qarabag. He played very well, it was a good performance and I was pleased for him. But I have another day to reflect and to make the best decision for Sunday."