Arsenal seeks to capitalise on Brighton’s injury woes to boost title hopes, as they will be without a number of key players.

  • Brighton’s injury crisis, including Solly March’s suspected hamstring issue, could provide Arsenal with a golden opportunity to boost their title hopes.
  • Arsenal face a weakened Brighton side, with key players like Adam Lallana and Tariq Lamptey sidelined, and the return dates of others uncertain.
  • Victory against Brighton could help Arsenal keep pace with Manchester City in the title race, while Brighton’s European ambitions hang in the balance.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion controls the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion controls the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

As Arsenal gear up to face Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, the Gunners may find fortune smiling upon them. A wounded Brighton side, nursing a string of injuries and reeling from a crushing 5-1 defeat to Everton, could provide the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to keep their title hopes alive a little longer.

Monday’s match saw Everton dismantle Brighton with clinical efficiency. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil ran rampant, each scoring twice and forcing an own goal from Jason Steele. Alexis Mac Allister’s consolation strike did little to mask the unease brewing among Brighton supporters as they pondered their team’s prospects of achieving European football.

Brighton’s season, while admirable, has been marred by an ever-growing list of injuries, further compounded by the potential loss of Solly March. The winger’s suspected hamstring issue adds to the woes of an already beleaguered squad, which includes the likes of Joel Veltman, Jakub Moder, Adam Lallana, Tariq Lamptey, and Jeremy Sarmiento.

The experienced Lallana has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a thigh injury, while flying fullback Lamptey’s knee problems have kept him sidelined since March. Injuries have also plagued Veltman, Moder, and Sarmiento, with their returns to the pitch, like that of William Saliba, shrouded in uncertainty.

Mikel Arteta knows all too well that a victory against a weakened Brighton is essential to keep pace with Manchester City in the title race.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, a picture of frustration, has been cagey about providing a concrete timeline for March’s return. With his involvement against Arsenal and the subsequent fixture against Newcastle United appearing increasingly doubtful, Brighton’s European dreams may be in jeopardy.