Arsenal Faces Multiple Injuries Ahead Carabao Cup Tie Against Brighton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli are ruled out for the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Brighton, with Saliba having been substituted at half-time in their recent victory over Crystal Palace and Martinelli facing a late fitness test but expected to miss the game. Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, who were also substituted due to knocks, are fit and available for selection. Bukayo Saka, who was ill last week, is expected to recover fully and be ready for the match. Arteta emphasized the challenge of managing player fitness and minutes due to a congested schedule, particularly highlighting limited options in the forward line as key attackers like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remain out. He praised Brighton's preparation and the form of their forward Danny Welbeck, an ex-Arsenal player who has been scoring consistently, but remains focused on the importance of winning the Carabao Cup, a trophy Arsenal has not won for many years. The match is seen as crucial by Arteta, who stressed the need to remain competitive despite injuries and squad rotation.