Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided crucial injury updates ahead of their EFL Cup fourth-round encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion tonight. Speaking to the media, Arteta confirmed that defender William Saliba and winger Gabriel Martinelli will both miss the fixture due to injuries, while further tests will determine the full extent of their setbacks.
“Saliba will be out, we are assessing him. Gabriel Martinelli will be out as well. We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury,” Arteta said. The absence of the French defender and Brazilian attacker will be a blow for the Gunners, who have relied heavily on their contributions this season in both domestic and European competitions.
However, there was some positive news for Arsenal fans as Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Bukayo Saka are all fit and expected to feature. “Rice, Calafiori and Saka are going to be fine,” the Arsenal boss added, providing a timely boost to his squad depth ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Arsenal enter the match looking to maintain their momentum across all competitions, with Arteta likely to rotate his lineup to balance fitness and performance. The Gunners will aim to progress to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, a competition that offers Arteta a realistic chance to add domestic silverware to his growing list of achievements.
