Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism that Declan Rice will be available for Arsenal's Premier League clash at Brighton on Wednesday. The midfielder appeared to strain a muscle during the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday but played on until the 76th minute before being substituted.
Arteta confirmed that Rice underwent checks after the match and reported an improvement. 'He was much better today,' the Arsenal manager said in his pre-match press conference. 'We haven't really trained because we've only had two days to prepare. So, hopefully, he's going to be better tomorrow.'
The Gunners also face uncertainty over captain Martin Odegaard, who missed the Chelsea game with a knee problem, and Kai Havertz, who returned from a four-match absence as a substitute. Arteta said both would be assessed, adding: 'Kai has done part of the session so we will have to wait and see. Martin is the other one.'
Ben White remains sidelined with an unspecified knock, while Mikel Merino is out with a longer-term issue. However, Max Dowman is back available after featuring for the Under-21 side following an ankle injury.
