Brightonvs.Arsenal

Mikel Arteta's men did not have it all their own way at Brentford on New Year's Day, but strikes from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a 3-1 comeback triumph.

The Gunners' reward for another London derby success was a return to second place in the Premier League table, although they are still six points behind runaway leaders Liverpool having played a game more.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Brighton, who held Aston Villa to a 2-2 draw in their last encounter of 2024.

Kai Havertz

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: January 4 (vs. Brighton)

Kai Havertz fell victim to a sickness bug that has apparently been sweeping through the Arsenal camp, missing the New Year's Day win at Brentford as a result, but Arteta is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be available to face the Seagulls.

Bukayo Saka

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

In contrast, wing wizard Bukayo Saka will not be available for approximately two months, having undergone surgery on the serious hamstring problem he sustained against Crystal Palace before Christmas.

Raheem Sterling

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: January 4 (vs. Brighton)

Raheem Sterling has sat out Arsenal's last three games with a knee concern, but his issue is not as bad as first feared, and there is a slim chance that he will be available to face Brighton.

Ben White

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: March 8 (vs. Manchester United)

Ben White had been soldiering on through a knee issue for several weeks before going under the knife in November, and the right-back is not expected to return to the field until the spring.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

The injury-riddled Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently working his way back from a second knee injury of the season, and he has been granted permission to spend some time away from the club while he recovers mentally and physically.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Jurrien Timber

Return date: January 7 (vs. Newcastle United)

Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is ruled out of Saturday's game through suspension on account of picking up five yellow cards, meaning that Arteta is without any of his recognised right-backs for the trip to Brighton.

Written by

Ben Knapton