Arsenal have been dealt a double injury blow with William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli confirmed injured. However, there is some good news for the Gunners as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori have been passed fit.
The fitness concerns arose after the quartet picked up injuries during Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. Saliba was forced to retire at half-time due to his injury while Calafiori and Rice were both substituted during the second half of the match. Despite finishing the game, Martinelli limped down the tunnel following the full-time whistle.
Ahead of their next action on Wednesday night against Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Mikel Arteta provided updates on Tuesday regarding these players' fitness status.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, said:
“[Saliba] is out. We are assessing him, but he won’t be involved this match. [Martinelli] looks as well that he is going to be out. We have to, again, do some more tests and see the extent of the injury. But this game is going to be too early for him.”
When asked about Saka, Rice and Calafiori's condition post-injury scare in Sunday's match, Arteta confirmed that all three are "fine" and "available" for selection.
Expected team changes against Brighton
Arteta is expected to make significant changes to his team ahead of this crucial clash with Brighton. In their last round when they travelled to Port Vale - a match which saw them secure a 2-0 win - Arteta made nine changes to his squad.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made his debut in that game against Port Vale and he is set to start again against Brighton. Other potential changes include bringing Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly into defence while Piero Hincapie could also be given a chance for a full debut.
Despite these injury setbacks with key players like Saliba and Martinelli sidelined due to injuries, Arsenal fans can take solace in the fact that Saka, Rice and Calafiori have been passed fit. The upcoming match against Brighton will be a crucial one for the Gunners as they look to maintain their winning momentum in the Carabao Cup. With Arteta's strategic team changes and the return of some key players, it promises to be an exciting encounter for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.
