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Arsenal will be without star defender William Saliba for Wednesday's trip to Brighton due to injury.

The Frenchman was left out of the squad for the trip to the Amex Stadium. A statement from Arsenal confirmed that his absence was due to an 'issue' picked up in the win against Chelsea.

Cristhian Mosquera has been named in the starting XI in Saliba's place and slots in alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. Saliba, 24, has been a key player for Arsenal this season, having made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring once.

That goal came in his most recent outing, Arsenal having beaten London rivals Chelsea to at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

When it comes to the rest of the Arsenal side, midfielder Declan Rice is named in the starting XI despite slight concern over his fitness. He also picked up a slight issue against Chelsea but is deemed fit enough to play against the Seagulls.

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He takes his place alongside Martin Zubimendi. Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres make up the front four.

One notable absence is Martin Odegaard, who is also not in the squad. Kai Havertz is deemed fit enough to return though and has taken a spot on the bench.

Speaking about the German in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said: "So he's done a part of the session, we will have to wait and see whether he's available and in which condition. The rest I don’t think there will be anybody else."

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On the challenge of facing Brighton, the Spanish coach added: "Very, very good side. The way they’re coached as well. They have a sequence of years as well with a very similar style and players that fit really, really well, what they want to do, they really believe in what they do. So, always a very tough opponent."

Arsenal could take a significant step towards the title with victory against Brighton. They sit five points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City ahead of kick-off.

Pep Guardiola's side are scheduled to take on struggling Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal starting XI vs Brighton: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

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