Arsenal defender William Saliba has been ruled out of the Premier League clash with Brighton due to injury, with Mikel Arteta providing an update on the France international
19:14, 04 Mar 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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William Saliba misses Arsenal's trip to Brighton(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Arsenal are without star defender William Saliba for Wednesday's journey to Brighton owing to injury.
The Frenchman was excluded from the squad for the visit to the Amex Stadium. A statement from Arsenal confirmed that his absence was due to an 'issue' sustained in the victory against Chelsea. Cristhian Mosquera has been included in the starting XI in Saliba's absence and partners Gabriel Magalhaes.
Saliba, 24, has been a crucial figure for Arsenal this campaign, having featured in 34 matches across all competitions, netting once. That strike arrived in his latest appearance as Arsenal defeated London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking pre-match, Mikel Arteta said: "He turned his ankle against Chelsea. He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today."
Regarding the remainder of the Arsenal lineup, midfielder Declan Rice is included in the starting XI despite minor concerns over his fitness. He also sustained a slight problem against Chelsea but is considered fit enough to feature against the Seagulls.
He takes his position alongside Martin Zubimendi. Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres comprise the front four.
One conspicuous omission is Martin Odegaard, who is equally absent from the squad. Kai Havertz is considered fit enough to return however and has secured a place on the bench.
Discussing the German player in his pre-match press briefing, Mikel Arteta stated: "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."
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Regarding the task of taking on Brighton, the Spaniard added: "Very, very good side. 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."
Arsenal could make a significant stride towards the title with a win against Brighton. They are five points ahead of their closest competitors Manchester City before the match begins.
Pep Guardiola's team are set to face struggling Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening. City have welcomed Erling Haaland back into the squad after he was absent for the victory against Leeds.