Chelsea confirm shirt number change for Emiliano Martinez

Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has changed his shirt number following Robert Sanchez's season-long loan move to Como.

The Blues purchased the Argentine from Aston Villa in late August, and he was immediately picked to make his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.

At the same time, Sanchez was completely excluded from the matchday squad and ended up joining Serie A side Como on loan for the 2026/27 campaign.

Martinez wore the number 26 shirt on his debut against Brighton, but has now switched to the no.1 before the Blues visit the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea have had a dreadful record against the Gunners over the past five years. They have suffered eight defeats and picked up three draws in their last 11 meetings against.

Hence, they will start the weekend's encounter as underdogs but should fancy their chances, given they have created more big chances than any other side (9) so far.