Arsenal training release hints at Mikel Arteta wildcard selection after injury blow

Mikel Arteta could be without a number of first-team players for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton which could see two first starts handed

Arsenal come into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion in top form after winning eight straight games. Sunday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace means the Gunners are currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Eberechi Eze’s goal against his former team was the difference in north London as Mikel Arteta’s men capitalised on encouraging results elsewhere. Now, attention turns to the cup.

After reaching the semi-final last season, Arsenal will be hoping to go the distance in the Carabao Cup. Port Vale were knocked out in the previous round, but Brighton will provide a more challenging test.

With the quick turnaround of fixtures for Arteta’s side, changes are anticipated in the starting XI on Wednesday. Ahead of the game, the squad have been put through their paces at the Sobha Reality Training Centre.

Pictures have been released of the preparations, so here’s some of things we’ve spotted…

Injury blow concern

After playing just three days ago, Arteta’s team is facing the aftermath of a tight schedule. Unfortunately, William Saliba is the latest casualty.

Asked what the latest on the Frenchman was, Arteta replied: “He’s out,” before adding: “We’re assessing him, but he won’t be involved in this match.”

In the training pictures released, Saliba was nowhere to be seen. Declan Rice, who also came off against Palace, is fit, with Riccardo Calafiori also available – both players were spotted participating in training.

Defensive boost

Piero Hincapie made his long-awaited Premier League debut on Sunday against Palace with eight minutes off the bench. The defender had been suffering from a groin problem after his move from Bayer Leverkusen.

“He’s a warrior,” Arteta said. “He’s going to bring such intensity, physicality, and emotion to the team as well. His quality on the ball is a player that is super keen.

“He can play inside, he can play in wide position. He’s done it, as you said, in different ways. Now we need to get him up to speed because the moment that physically he’s at his best, he’s going to raise the level.”

Hincapie featured heavily in the photos released by the club and Wednesday night’s game may be the perfect opportunity for him to make his first start.

Dowman milestone

At 15, Max Dowman will have many supporters hoping to see him start against Brighton this week. The teenager has come off the bench in two Premier League games this season, and he played 27 minutes in the 2-0 win over Port Vale previously.

With Bukayo Saka unable to complete 90 minutes at the weekend and Gabriel Martinelli out of the clash, the attacker could be about to be named in the starting XI for the first time.

The academy star was pictured in training in a 1v1 battle against Hincapie. Interestingly, there was no sign of Saka in the images released.

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