6 key Arsenal players are being rested by Mikel Arteta

Ahead of the League Cup clash with Brighton, coach Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to rest six of Arsenal’s main players.

Arsenal will host Brighton at the Emirates Stadium in the fourth round of the League Cup. However, with a congested schedule and the Premier League title race heating up, coach Mikel Arteta is believed to prefer resting six key players completely rather than risking them in a less important competition.

According to British media, the six players expected to be rested against Brighton are: Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, William Saliba, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka.

Timber and Calafiori have both played continuously in the last three matches. Calafiori even suffered a minor injury in the recent win over Crystal Palace, making his involvement a needless risk. Saliba also faced fitness issues in the same game, while young defender Cristhian Mosquera is ready to step in.

In midfield, Rice and Zubimendi have barely had a break over the past three weeks, starting against Fulham, Atletico Madrid, and Crystal Palace respectively. Both require rotation, making way for Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino, who are capable of handling the match.

Bukayo Saka, who has not fully recovered yet, is considered a special case needing rest. Arteta’s decision to risk playing him against Palace raised concerns, and he should avoid repeating that before the Brighton game, especially since Arsenal needs Saka at full strength for the upcoming Burnley match this weekend.

In round three, Arsenal easily defeated Port Vale with goals from Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard, advancing with home advantage against Brighton. However, currently, the League Cup is not a top priority for the Gunners, particularly as they lead the Premier League and aim for their first domestic title since 2004.

A secondary trophy cannot compensate for losing the chance to win England’s top league. Therefore, Arteta must rotate heavily, giving opportunities to reserves and young players while preserving the fitness of key players for the crucial period ahead.

With Arsenal leading the Premier League and targeting bigger goals, sacrificing the League Cup to maintain squad fitness is a sensible move. A successful season is not defined by a minor cup but by keeping the star players healthy.