Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism that Declan Rice will be available for Arsenal’s Premier League encounter with Brighton on Wednesday, after the midfielder was substituted during the 2-1 victory over Chelsea. The England international requested to be taken off in the 76th minute of Sunday’s match, prompting Arteta to confirm that he would need to be assessed ahead of the crucial trip to the Amex Stadium.
Rice is reportedly “much better” according to the Arsenal manager, who hopes the player will be fit to maintain the club’s five-point lead at the top of the table. “I hope so. He was much better today,” Arteta said. “We haven't trained much as we only have two days to prepare for the game. Hopefully he's going to be better tomorrow.”
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are also facing late fitness checks. “Kai, he's done a part of the session. We will wait and see if he's available and in which condition. Martin is the other where we will see,” Arteta added.
The match comes amid criticism of Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces, having scored twice from corners against Chelsea. Arteta defended his side’s approach, stating: “I'm upset that we don't score more from corners - and we concede them. We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game. That's the aim and trajectory of this team. As a club we want to be the same.”
