Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli will miss the League Cup fourth-round clash with Brighton as the Gunners’ injury woes continue to pile up.
France defender Saliba was forced off at half-time in Sunday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace with an unspecified issue, while Martinelli limped down the tunnel after picking up a knock late in the same match.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, who was also injured against Palace, will be fit to return, but admitted uncertainty over how long Saliba and Martinelli will be sidelined.
Losing two key players would be a significant setback for Arsenal as they chase a first Premier League title since 2004 and their maiden Champions League crown. The north London side are already missing Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus through injury.
“He’s out. We’re assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match,” Arteta said of Saliba on Tuesday. “It looks like Martinelli is going to be out as well. We need to do more tests to know the extent of it, but this game will come too soon for him.”
Martinelli’s absence further limits Arteta’s attacking options. Summer signing Viktor Gyökeres has started all 12 of Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League matches so far, scoring five goals, but Arteta is expected to rest the Swedish striker against Brighton to avoid further risk.
“In the front line, that’s where we have more difficulties — Noni out, Kai out, Gabi Jesus out, and now Gabi Martinelli,” Arteta said. “We have to be careful and manage the load so that the players stay fresh and the team can keep up its level.”
Sunday’s win over Palace moved Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with seven victories from nine games.
Arteta welcomed the growing optimism around the club after three consecutive second-place finishes in the league.
“That’s what we want,” he said. “When people are excited because the team is competing consistently, that’s the right kind of belief.
“If you want to win big trophies, you have to create that feeling in the team, in the club, and around it. We’re in a really good position right now — but we know it’s still early, and every game is tough.”
