Mikel Arteta optimistic regarding Declan Rice availability for Brighton encounter

Arsenal manager hopes Declan Rice can feature against Brighton on Wednesday following a positive fitness assessment on Tuesday.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 10:04 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Irish Independent

Midfielder shows signs of improvement

Declan Rice was withdrawn in the 76th minute of Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, a move Arteta initially described as necessary for further medical assessment. In his pre-match briefing on Tuesday, the manager noted that Rice was doing "much better," though the short turnaround between matches has limited the squad's training time. Arteta expressed hope that another day of recovery would see the England international ready to participate in the crucial away trip to the Amex Stadium.

Ongoing fitness checks for key attackers

While the update on Rice was positive, the status of Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard remains uncertain. Havertz participated in only a portion of the latest training session, and his involvement against Brighton will depend on his physical condition closer to kick-off. Similarly, club captain Martin Odegaard is undergoing a fitness check to determine his readiness. These potential absences could test the depth of the Arsenal squad as they navigate a high-pressure title race during the month of March.

Set-piece dominance in the title race

Arsenal's recent success has been heavily influenced by their proficiency in set-piece situations, having scored twice from corners in their defeat of Chelsea. This tactical advantage has become a primary topic of discussion among Premier League observers as the season enters its final stages. Arteta’s side currently holds a five-point lead over Manchester City, and their ability to capitalize on dead-ball opportunities has proven critical in tight matches against top-six opposition.