Brighton vs Arsenal: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

Rice was forced off late on against Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal hope to have Declan Rice available for tonight’s Premier League clash against Brighton.

Rice was forced off in the second-half of Sunday’s victory over Chelsea , spotted grimacing as he tried to extend his leg with Christian Norgaard onto replace him for the remainder of the game.

Arteta revealed post-match the England international had asked to come off but was more upbeat on Tuesday, declaring his midfielder to be ‘much better’.

David Raya also appeared to be dealing with a knock late on against the Blues but has been passed fit to face the Seagulls.

Martin Odegaard was a surprise omission from the squad at the weekend, still dealing with a knee problem he picked up two weeks ago against Brentford.

The skipper did make a brief return in the north London derby victory over Tottenham and is among the small group of players to come back into the side tonight.

Kai Havertz came off the bench against his former side on Sunday having recovered from a recent muscle problem. Max Dowman is also available after recovering from an ankle injury suffered in November.

Odegaard could miss out tonight (Picture: Getty)

Ben White remains absent along with Mikel Merino who could miss the rest of the season.

Just three days on from the battle with Chelsea, Arteta want to rest some of his players but Sunday’s FA Cup clash at Mansfield perhaps represents a better opportunity to ring in the changes.

Rice’s fitness will be assessed ahead of kick-off but with only Martin Zubimendi , and Jurien Timber playing more often than the England international this season, Arteta will surely exercise some caution.

Kai Havertz will be eager to start but Sunday’s trip to Mansfield could be a more likely possibility with Eberechi Eze back in the first-team.