Arsenal is set to face Brighton in the EFL Fourth Round without two crucial players, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta. Both players are sidelined due to injuries, with further tests required to ascertain the full scope of their respective issues.

William Saliba sustained his injury during the half-time interval of Arsenal’s recent 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace. Arteta confirmed the defender's immediate absence from the upcoming cup tie, stating, “He is out [for Brighton]. No [we don’t know how long he is out for]. We are assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match.” The exact duration of his recovery remains unknown.

Gabriel Martinelli also picked up an injury late in the Crystal Palace game, visibly limping off the field after the final whistle. Arteta provided an update on the forward’s condition, indicating his unavailability for the Carabao Cup fixture. “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,” Arteta explained, confirming Martinelli will miss the match.

Despite these significant setbacks, there was positive news regarding other Arsenal squad members who sustained knocks against Palace. Arteta reassured fans that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Bukayo Saka are all fit, available, and ready to participate in the match against Brighton, providing a boost to the team’s roster for the critical cup encounter.