Arsenal defender William Saliba was ruled out of Wednesday's Premier League match against Brighton due to an ankle injury sustained in the weekend win over Chelsea. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the centre-back turned his ankle during the 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge but managed to finish the game.
Saliba, who scored his first goal of the season in that match, was replaced in the starting lineup by Cristhian Mosquera. Arteta described the absence as precautionary, noting that the injury is not believed to be serious. “He turned his ankle against Chelsea. He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today,” Arteta said pre-match.
Arteta made two changes to the side that beat Chelsea, with Leandro Trossard also dropping out for Gabriel Martinelli. Declan Rice was passed fit to start despite a minor injury concern. The Gunners face a busy schedule ahead, including an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Mansfield on Saturday and a Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen next week.
With the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City looming on March 22, Arteta emphasised the importance of squad rotation. “You have to understand which games are more fitted for them and other players as well,” he said, referencing the midfield partnership of Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Saliba may be rested for the Mansfield match to ensure full recovery.
