Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Brighton at the Emirates looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s defeat at Aston Villa.
In today’s episode of Inside Arsenal I look ahead to the game, discuss the latest Arsenal team news and give my predicted XI for the game.
I also look at what Mikel Arteta had to say in his press conference on Friday following the news that
He had been cleared of the FA charge that had been hanging over his head following the comments he made after the Newcastle match.
I also share my latest information on the potential return of Thomas Partey,
With the midfielder having been absent since the 1-0 win against Manchester City in October.
Arsenal injured player coming back to the team
Martinelli has recovered from the illness that forced him to miss Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with PSV and the Brazilian starts at Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
“Martinelli is feeling good,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Friday.
Emile Smith Rowe made his comeback from injury as a late substitute against PSV and is on the bench again,
But Mohamed Elneny is ruled out after straining a hamstring in Eindhoven.
Arteta said: “We have no other news apart from Mo. Mo had to be subbed because he felt something with his hamstring. We did a scan and it doesn’t look too serious so he’s going to be with us I think very soon, which is good news as well.”
Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber remain out.
David Raya returns in goal after Aaron Ramsdale started against PSV,
While Gabriel Jesus comes back into the side to lead the line in north London.
Bukayo Saka was also rested against PSV and comes back in,
Along with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Subs: Ramsdale, Kiwior, Cedric, Walters, Lewis-Skelly, Nelson, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Nketiah
