Arsenal Faces Injury Setbacks, Trossard Unavailable | Projected Line-up Against Brighton
On Saturday, August 31st, at 12:30 PM UK time, two of the four Premier League teams with perfect starts to the season will clash at the Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal takes on Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Gunners enter this match following a convincing 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, while the Seagulls secured a dramatic win against Manchester United in the dying moments at the Amex Stadium.
Here’s a look at Arsenal’s potential line-up:
GOALKEEPER: With Aaron Ramsdale transferring to Southampton, David Raya is set to start unless any unexpected fitness concerns arise for the former Brentford goalkeeper.
He will retain his position against Brighton, as new signing Neto is not yet eligible to play.
DEFENDERS: Jurrien Timber, who started against Aston Villa, is expected to continue as the left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko unavailable.
Ben White will again occupy the right-back position, while William Saliba and Gabriel will form the central defensive partnership. Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined and is unlikely to return soon.
MIDFIELDERS: Thomas Partey and Declan Rice partnered in a double pivot against Villa, and Arteta is likely to maintain this combination.
Partey appears to be regaining his form after a challenging 2023/24 season marred by injuries, while Rice is a guaranteed starter. Martin Odegaard will take on the number 10 role, serving as a crucial player for Arsenal and captaining the side against Brighton.
Mikel Merino will not be available for selection in the near future, as Mikel Arteta confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Bukayo Saka is set to occupy the right winger position. He has already netted one goal and provided a couple of assists in the opening two matches of the Premier League season, and he aims to increase his contributions against Brighton.
Leandro Trossard is vying for a return to the starting lineup after finding the net as a substitute against Aston Villa.
However, Arteta may opt to retain the speed of Gabriel Martinelli on the left side, utilizing Trossard as an impactful option in the latter stages of the match.
Gabriel Jesus is sidelined due to injury and will be unavailable for the encounter with Brighton.
Consequently, Kai Havertz will step in as the striker, taking the lead for Arsenal this weekend.
