Arsenal face Brighton Hove & Albion tonight, Wednesday 29 October, in the Carabao Cup, with manager Mikel Arteta set to call on youth as injuries mount across his squad.

Defensive lynchpin William Saliba and winger Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out after sustaining knocks in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Arteta confirmed both are unavailable, saying: “Saliba is out. We are assessing him, but he won’t be involved in this match. Martinelli looks as well [as if] he is going to be out.”

With several senior players sidelined – including Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard – Arteta could hand opportunities to youngsters such as 15-year-old Max Dowman, who has impressed in training.

“When you look at what he does in training, you have to play him,” the Spaniard said.

Off the pitch, Arsenal are working to improve the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium in London, England, by removing the tunnel cover and introducing interactive light shows to connect players and supporters better.

Despite the growing injury list, the Gunners remain four points clear at the top of the English Premier League and firm favourites to progress tonight. With Saka, Rice, and Calafiori fit to return, Arteta will hope his reshuffled side can maintain momentum and keep their silverware ambitions alive.

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