Gary Neville has been a regular fixture on Sky Sports for Premier League matches but the ex-Manchester United defender will be absent for Chelsea vs Arsenal
Kieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist
14:52, 30 Nov 2025
Gary Neville will be missing from Sky Sports’ punditry team.(Image: (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
Gary Neville has disclosed that he will be absent from Sky Sports’ commentary duties for the Chelsea vs Arsenal clash as he’ll be attending the Qatar Grand Prix instead.
The Manchester United legend, who regularly partners Peter Drury in the commentary box for the weekend’s top fixtures, has chosen to spend his weekend in the Middle East.
It remains unclear who will replace Neville alongside Drury for the crucial Premier League encounter, though it’s been confirmed Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturridge will provide analysis from the Sky Sports studios, while Dave Jones will be presenting.
Gary Neville is instead in the Middle East(Image: ( Bradley Collyer/PA Wire))
Given the significance of the upcoming derby game, Neville’s absence might be understood as Lando Norris has an opportunity to clinch the Drivers’ Championship.
The 50-year-old is clearly excited about witnessing what could be a momentous triumph and getting behind-the-scenes access to the operations.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Saturday, he said: “I was meant to come a few months ago in Belgium and it didn’t quite happen but I said that I wanted to come.
“I’m missing Chelsea vs Arsenal but I have to say it is worth it. Seeing inside the Mercedes garage is incredible, what an opportunity.
“I’m going to watch [the race on Sunday] and I can sit around the Sky hang-out or I can go and hang around with the prawn sandwich brigade.”
The west London showdown at Stamford Bridge is scheduled to get underway at 4.30pm – just merely 30 minutes following the commencement of the Qatar Grand Prix. While the title can’t be settled, just yet, in this corner of the capital, the outcome will carry enormous weight.
A triumph would see Arsenal establish a commanding nine-point cushion over Chelsea, yet should the home side prevail, they could slash the deficit at the summit to just three.
