Arsenal Predicted XI vs Brighton

Mikel Arteta could welcome Jurriën Timber back into Arsenal’s starting line-up when the Premier League champions travel to Brighton on Saturday.

The Dutch defender was left out of Tuesday’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town, but Arteta confirmed that decision was about managing his workload rather than a fresh injury.

Timber had only just returned from a lengthy groin lay-off when he played more than 50 minutes against Sunderland last weekend.

His potential availability could therefore solve an immediate problem at right-back as Arsenal prepare for a difficult afternoon at the Amex Stadium.

Jurriën Timber Could Return Against Brighton

Timber’s absence at Ipswich initially raised concern given Arsenal’s existing defensive injuries.

Arteta quickly played that down.

“Everything is fine,” the Arsenal boss said when asked about Timber before the cup tie.

He explained that the defender had played more minutes than planned against Sunderland following five months out and therefore needed to be protected.

The latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Brighton outlines the wider problems facing Arteta.

Ben White remains a doubt after suffering a groin issue at Sunderland, while Cristhian Mosquera has also been unavailable.

William Saliba continues his longer rehabilitation from a back problem.

That makes Timber’s return particularly valuable.

Martin Zubimendi filled in at right-back against Ipswich, but Brighton should present a considerably more demanding defensive test.

Bruno Guimarães Pushing for Arsenal Start

Arteta also has a decision to make in midfield.

Bruno Guimarães strengthened his case for a starting place after coming off the bench and scoring during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Sunderland.

The Brazilian was then rested against Ipswich.

That leaves him fresh to potentially partner Declan Rice at the Amex, with Martin Ødegaard expected to continue further forward.

Zubimendi’s midweek workload could also influence Arteta’s thinking after the Spaniard started at right-back before later moving centrally.

David Raya, Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were among the senior players rested in the Carabao Cup and should all come back into contention.

Havertz Expected to Keep Gyökeres Out

Kai Havertz is likely to retain his position through the middle.

Viktor Gyökeres has struggled for regular minutes during the opening weeks of the campaign, with Arteta preferring Havertz in several important fixtures.

Bukayo Saka should return on the right after being rested at Portman Road.

Christos Tzolis is also expected to start on the opposite flank, although Noni Madueke gave Arteta something to consider with an encouraging display against Ipswich.

Brighton’s midweek performance should prevent Arsenal from taking anything for granted.

Fabian Hürzeler’s side recovered from 2-0 down to beat Manchester United 3-2 despite making six changes.

We have already looked at why that Brighton comeback should serve as a warning to Arsenal.