Saliba and Martinelli Ruled Out as Arsenal Face Brighton in League Cup Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that centre back William Saliba and winger Gabriel Martinelli will miss Wednesday’s League Cup fourth-round match against Brighton & Hove Albion due to injuries sustained during the club’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.

France international Saliba, 24, was substituted at halftime on Sunday, with new signing Cristhian Mosquera taking his place. Martinelli, meanwhile, appeared to be in discomfort after the final whistle, prompting concerns over his fitness. Arteta provided an update on both players during Tuesday’s press conference, saying, “He (Saliba) is out (v Brighton). We are assessing him, but he won’t be involved in this match,” though he declined to offer a timeline for the defender’s return.

Discussing the Brazilian winger’s condition, the Arsenal boss added, “It looks as though he’s going to be out. We have to do some more tests to see the extent of the injury, but this game will be too early for him.”

Despite these setbacks, Arteta confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice and defender Riccardo Calafiori, who both picked up knocks against Palace, have been passed fit to play. Bukayo Saka, who was withdrawn from the same match due to illness, is also available for selection.

Arsenal currently leads the Premier League standings with 22 points from nine matches, reflecting the strong start to their campaign. The club’s summer recruitment drive has significantly boosted squad depth, with the additions of striker Viktor Gyokeres, attackers Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, and defender Mosquera providing options across the pitch.

When asked if this depth allows him to be more at ease in managing the team, Arteta was quick to dismiss the notion. “That word relaxed in football is impossible. We are going to try and manage the minutes and the load as best as possible,” he said.

However, the Spaniard acknowledged that injuries among attacking players have created challenges in rotation. “Gabby (Gabriel Jesus) out, Kai (Havertz) out, Martinelli and Noni (Madueke) out. We have to be more careful as we don’t have many options,” Arteta admitted.

Arsenal, twice winners of the League Cup, last lifted the trophy in 1993. As they prepare to host Brighton, currently 13th in the Premier League, Arteta’s side will aim to maintain their strong form and advance to the quarterfinals despite the growing list of absentees.