Arsenal face injury concerns ahead of the EFL Cup meeting with Brighton, with William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli ruled out due to injuries.
Arsenal are facing injury concerns ahead of their EFL Cup meeting with Brighton, with centre back William Saliba and winger Gabriel Martinelli ruled out due to injuries.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that Saliba will miss the match due to an injury sustained during Sunday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
Cristhian Mosquera replaced Saliba at halftime, while Martinelli limped off the pitch after the final whistle. Arteta said that Martinelli’s injury is likely to keep him out for a while, but further tests are needed to determine the extent of the injury.
Midfielder Declan Rice and defender Riccardo Calafiori have been deemed fit to feature against Brighton, despite sustaining knocks during the Palace game. Winger Bukayo Saka, who was withdrawn from the game due to illness, is also available for selection.
Ahead of the game, Arteta said that the squad depth helps him manage the team’s workload, but the word “relaxed” is impossible in football. The Spaniard added that injuries in the attacking line have posed challenges, with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Martinelli, and Noni Madueke all sidelined.
Arsenal will look to continue their impressive start to the season when they host Brighton, who sit 13th in the Premier League. The Gunners are twice winners of the League Cup, with their most recent triumph in 1993.
