Saliba, Martinelli Out!! Mikel Arteta reveals worrying injury update

William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out of Arsenal’s upcoming game with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup.

The duo, along with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori, picked up problems in their last Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace, which the Gunners won 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta shared the latest on all of his players’ conditions ahead of the Brighton clash, claiming Saliba and Martinelli have no chance of playing in the cup game.

William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Speaking to reporters, the Spanish coach said: “[Saliba] is out. We are assessing him, but he won’t be involved in this match. [Martinelli] looks as well that he is going to be out. We have to, again, do some more tests and see the extent of the injury. But this game is going to be too early for him.”

Arteta also confirmed that the trio of Saka, Calafiori and Rice are all fit and ready to take the field against the Seagulls on Wednesday night.

With a hectic schedule either side of the November international break, Arteta is likely to make several changes in the starting lineup and hand game time to other squad members.

In defence, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Myles Lewis-Skelly could feature, while Piero Hincapie could be handed his first start. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could make his second appearance for the Gunners after making his debut against Port Vale last month.

Youth sensation Max Dowman, who has started training with the senior first team, could also be included in the matchday squad after the teenager impressed for Arsenal U19s in Europe and the English youth leagues.

Arteta could also consider pushing Mikel Merino to the No.9 role once again, if he plans to rest star forward Viktor Gyokeres.