Arsenal take on Brighton on Wednesday night, just three days after overcoming Chelsea in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta will be hoping to call on his star players for their latest test
16:06, 02 Mar 2026
Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.
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Declan Rice is an injury worry for Arsenal ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton. (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
It’s a quick turnaround for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad this week, with midweek Premier League action on the horizon.
The Gunners maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday by coming out as 2-1 winners over rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber earned Arsenal a crucial three points.
It means that they remain five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table. With the end-of-season run-in approaching, games are coming thick and fast.
Arsenal travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton on Wednesday night (7:30pm kick-off).
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Ahead of the game, Arteta has been handed a couple of injury worries over some key players. They could, however, also welcome back some other players from injury.
Here’s a look at the latest from the treatment room at the Emirates Stadium.
Declan Rice
Injury: Unknown
The midfielder was replaced by Christian Norgaard in the second half of the match against Chelsea on Sunday, making him a doubt for the midweek clash
What Arteta has said: “I don't know, Declan asked to be substituted, so we're going to have to get checked and see if he's available for Wednesday, unfortunately.”
Possible return date: Vs Brighton (A), Weds 4 March
Martin Odegaard
Injury: Knee
The club captain was left out of the squad to face Chelsea on Sunday, after coming back from a knee injury as a second-half substitute in the win over Tottenham.
What Arteta has said: “Unfortunately, Martin is still not feeling totally comfortable with that knee injury, and we decided not to risk him.”
Possible return date: Vs Brighton (A), Weds 4 March
Martin Odegaard during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Martin Odegaard was left out of the Arsenal squad for the Premier League clash against Chelsea. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
David Raya
Injury: Unknown
There have been some worries that the goalkeeper suffered an injury in the closing stages of the game against Chelsea.
What Arteta has said: “I don't know what happened in that action. He had some niggles this week, so I don't know if he's related to that.”
Possible return date: Vs Brighton (A), Weds 4 March
Ben White
Injury: Knock
The defender has missed the last two games with a knock, but a return could be close, with Arteta hinting he could be available ahead of the game against Chelsea.
Possible return date: Vs Brighton (A), Weds 4 March
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Mikel Merino
Injury: Foot
The midfielder has undergone foot surgery and will be stepping up his rehabilitation.
What Arteta has said: “Now it’s the start of obviously a long process, we’re talking about bone healing. So, we’ll respect the timings, and I’m sure he’s going to do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery.
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“The timeframes, we’re talking about months - whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.”
Possible return date: Next season
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