William Saliba is missing from Arsenal’s squad to face Brighton after “picking up an issue” in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, with Cristhian Mosquera drafted in to replace him in defence.
William Saliba has been left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad for tonight’s Premier League trip to Brighton after suffering a problem in the weekend win over Chelsea.
Arsenal had not detailed the nature of the issue earlier in the day, but Arteta clarified it shortly before kick-off, confirming it was an ankle problem sustained at the Emirates on Sunday. “He turned his ankle against Chelsea,” Arteta said. “He managed to finish the game somehow, but he was too sore to play today.”
It is a notable absence given Saliba opened the scoring in that 2-1 victory and has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable starters this season, particularly in matches where the defensive line is asked to hold high and defend space behind.
The immediate impact is a change in the centre of Arsenal’s defence. Cristhian Mosquera has been brought into the starting XI at the Amex Stadium in place of Saliba, partnering Gabriel in the middle. Arsenal’s matchday squad also includes Kai Havertz among the substitutes as he continues his return, while Declan Rice has been passed fit to start after being assessed following his substitution against Chelsea.
Saliba’s withdrawal comes at an awkward time in the calendar. Arsenal are entering a congested March schedule and Arteta has already been managing several fitness situations across the squad. The priority now is whether Saliba’s issue is short-term, as Arteta’s wording suggests, or something that could disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm through a run of important fixtures.
For Brighton, the late change alters the opponent they have prepared for. Saliba’s presence usually allows Arsenal to hold a higher line with confidence and to progress the ball cleanly from the back under pressure. Without him, Brighton’s forwards may look to test Mosquera early, particularly in the first phases of Arsenal’s build-up and on transitions where centre-backs are forced to defend open grass.
There are also individual milestones elsewhere in Arsenal’s line-up, with Bukayo Saka captaining the side on his 300th first-team appearance for the club, while David Raya is set for his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. Those details do not change the main point for Arteta, however. The team’s defensive structure has been adjusted at short notice, and Arsenal will need to maintain the same level of organisation that has underpinned their title challenge.
It is an absence that has historically carried a measurable cost. Arsenal win 42.6% of matches when Saliba is not in the squad, compared to 68.5% when he is, which puts extra pressure on Arsenal’s defensive structure at the Amex.