Arsenal XI vs Brighton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Gunners sweating over key midfield components

Declan Rice is pushing to be available for Arsenal's trip to Brighton on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta gave a positive update at his pre-match press conference, with there seemingly every chance Rice is fit to start at the Amex Stadium.

"He was much better today," Arteta said. "Obviously, we haven't really trained because we have only two days to prepare for the game, so hopefully he's going to be better tomorrow."

There is more doubt over Martin Odegaard, who is still yet to fully recover from a knee injury that he has been nursing in recent weeks.

"We have to wait and see how comfortable he is to do certain actions," Arteta said.

Arsenal will also make a late decision on whether to include Kai Havertz in the matchday squad.

He made his return from a hamstring issue against Chelsea on Sunday, but Arsenal are keen to carefully manage his workload.

"He's done a part of the session so we will have to wait and see whether he's available and in which condition," Arteta said.

Arteta is unlikely to make significant changes against Brighton, with the trip to Mansfield on Saturday offering a chance to rotate.

There could be a tweak on the left, though. Leandro Trossard's form has dipped and Gabriel Martinelli looked bright off the bench against Chelsea, leading the counter that led to Pedro Neto's red card.

Ben White remains unavailable and Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee, but otherwise Arteta has plenty of options to choose from.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres

Injured: Merino, White

Doubts: Odegaard, Havertz, Rice

Venue: American Express Community Stadium, Brighton

Date and time: 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, March 4, 2026