Arteta expected to start ‘massive’ Arsenal star in defence, Timber absent for Brighton game

Arsenal will be eyeing a fourth-straight Premier League win when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Gunners have remained unbeaten for the last 12 games in all competitions but have dropped points in the league through draws.

The club are already six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Arsenal need to keep on winning to keep up the pressure.

Ahead of Saturday’s late kick-off against Brighton, the Gunners will be without the services of Jurrien Timber due to a one-game suspension.

The 23-year-old picked up his fifth yellow card of the league season against Brentford in midweek. He will subsequently serve a domestic ban.

Arsenal’s official website confirmed the same with an update. In his absence, manager Mikel Arteta could have a straightforward decision to make.

Thomas Partey has operated as a right-back on several occasions this term, and the Ghanaian looks poised to start from the defensive role.

The 31-year-old, who has been described as a ‘massive‘ player by Arteta, has had a superb campaign, having stayed injury-free almost throughout.

His current deal expires at the end of June. If he can stay unscathed over the coming months, Arsenal could seriously contemplate an extension.

Meanwhile, Partey’s move to right-back obviously means that Declan Rice could be reinstated in the number six position for the South Coast trip.

Mikel Merino had a good outing at Brentford with a goalscoring return, but Kai Havertz could replace him if he is deemed fully fit after his brief illness.

The other change could happen in the left-back role. Myles Lewis-Skelly could get the nod over Riccardo Calafiori, who must be handled cautiously after multiple injuries.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com