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

Arsenal have received a timely lift ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to Brighton after club source Hand of Arsenal confirmed that Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have been cleared to travel with the squad. The pair, who were considered injury doubts after recent fitness concerns, will make the journey to the south coast, leaving a final decision on their involvement in the matchday squad until the hours preceding kick-off.

Manager Mikel Arteta struck a cautiously optimistic tone during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, and the medical staff have since concluded that both players are fit enough to rejoin the group. Their availability offers Arteta welcome midfield options as the Gunners look to maintain momentum in the title race.

Elsewhere, Max Dowman and David Raya have also been passed fit, although Dowman is unlikely to be thrust into Premier League action so soon after returning from a two-month lay-off. With limited senior experience, the teenage midfielder is expected to continue rebuilding match sharpness with the academy and could be considered for Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Mansfield Town.

The news is less encouraging for Martin Odegaard, who has not been mentioned among the travelling party and appears set to miss out once again. Mikel Merino and Ben White remain definite absentees as Arsenal attempt to negotiate a fixture that could prove pivotal to their championship aspirations.