'.

Double Arsenal boost as 2 injury doubts join squad for Brighton clash

Kai Havertz and Declan Rice are both match fit and travelling to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night, according to a report.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Kai Havertz of Arsenal breaks past Robert Sanchez to score his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on February 03, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Football insider Hand of Arsenal reports on their Instagram story that Declan Rice and Kai Havertz are both match fit, and that they’ll travel with the squad to Brighton for Wednesday night’s Premier League fixture.

The same source adds that a final decision on the duo’s official matchday squad inclusion will be taken on Wednesday itself, but the pair are both evidently fit enough to join the team travelling to the south coast.

Mikel Arteta had given a cautiously optimistic update on both players in his press conference earlier on Tuesday, and it seems as though the medical staff ultimately decided they were okay to travel.

David Raya of Arsenal is congratulated by Gabriel after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Arteta had also passed Max Dowman and David Raya fit, though it’s possible Dowman will continue to build his match sharpness with the Arsenal academy for now.

After a couple of months out of action, having very little senior experience to begin with, it would be quite an ask to have Dowman featuring in key matches in the Premier League title race so soon after making his comeback.

Saturday’s game against Mansfield Town is one the young midfielder has a better chance to feature in.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Mikel Merino and Ben White are certainly out, and the last injury doubt surrounds Martin Odegaard. Given there’s been no suggestion that the Norway international is travelled, it looks as though he might be unavailable as well.

Related Topics