Mikel Arteta has given an update on the injury situation at Arsenal ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night. Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Riccardo Calafiori and William Saliba all sustained injuries in the victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Saliba was substituted at half-time on Sunday, while Rice and Calafiori were taken off in the second half. Martinelli was seen limping down the tunnel after he ‘felt something’. In a press conference on Tuesday, Arteta confirmed that Saliba is not fit enough to be included in the matchday squad against Brighton, while Martinelli faces a late fitness test, although currently remains a significant doubt.
“No, we are assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match,” Arteta said when asked about the duration of the Frenchman’s absence.
Quizzed on Martinelli, the Spaniard added: “Yeah, it looks as well that he’s 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 two different.”
However, Rice and Calafiori are available for selection, Arteta confirmed.
Bukayo Saka played in the match against Palace despite being ill and was substituted in the second half. However, Arteta said: “Yeah, he’s going to be fine.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke remain sidelined.
Asked whether the squad depth helps him to feel more relaxed, Arteta replied: “That word relaxed in football is impossible. We are going to try and manage the minutes and the load as best as possible.
“In the front line, that is where we have more difficulties. Gabby Jesus out, Kai out, Martinelli and Madueke out. We have to be more careful as we don’t have many options.”
If Arsenal manage to defeat Brighton on Wednesday evening, they will advance to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
