Arsenal could be without a number of playersplaceholder image
Arsenal could be without a number of players | Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of his side’s clash with Brighton.
Mikel Arteta has provided a mixed Arsenal injury update ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Brighton. The Gunners held their nerve over the weekend to maintain a five-point lead over Manchester City, albeit having played a game more.
Arteta’s men once again played second, but they did the job against Chelsea to keep City at arm’s length for now. Attention now quickly turns to a tricky away clash with Brighton, while City will face strugglers Nottingham Forest fully expecting to win.
Ahead of the Brighton trip, Arsenal do have some injury issues, and there is mixed news on their availability.
Asked about Kai Havertz, Arteta said in his press conference: “So he's done a part of the session, we will have to wait and see whether he's available and in which condition. The rest I don’t think there will be anybody else.”
On Martin Odegaard, he added: “We will see. We have to wait and see how comfortable he is to do certain actions.”
Ben White is not available, but both Max Dowman and David Raya are good to go, Elsewhere, Arsenal will have to wait to see how Declan Rice gets on, but it’s looking good as far as his availability is concerned.
“I hope so,” Arteta added. “He was much better today. Obviously, we haven't really trained because we have only two days to prepare the game. So, hopefully, it's going to be better tomorrow.”
Arteta was full of praise for Brighton, who have picked up a little lately having had a real wobble over the main part of winter. “Very, very good side,” Arteta added. “The way they’re coached as well. They have a sequence of years as well with a very similar style and players that fit really, really well, what they want to do, they really believe in what they do. So, always a very tough opponent.”
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