After Mikel Merino, Mikel Arteta now confirms another Arsenal injury blow ahead of Brighton clash

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Mikel Arteta has now given an update on the state of his Arsenal squad ahead of their clash with Brighton tomorrow.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke to the press on Transfer Deadline Day.

Given the nature of the day, Arteta was asked if Arsenal will sign Raheem Sterling. The Spanish coach batted this question away, though.

Whilst the manager will of course be somewhat distracted by goings-on in the market, the bulk of his focus will be on Saturday’s fixture against Brighton.

The Seagulls will provide a stern test, as both sides are heading into this face-off at the Emirates Stadium have won each of their Premier League games so far this season. 

The visitors are aware of the threat that Arsenal pose, though. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler heaped praise on Kai Havertz ahead of this match. 

It will be Havertz leading the line on Saturday too, as Arteta has now confirmed that Arsenal will be without one of their key attackers for this game. 

• READ MORE: The top five most injured Arsenal players in 2023/24

Mikel Arteta rules Gabriel Jesus out of Arsenal vs Brighton

New signing Mikel Merino picked up an injury in his first training session at Arsenal.

On top of that, Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined. 

Journalist Simon Collings was present at the press conference, and relayed the following update on X: “Arteta says Gabriel Jesus is out of tomorrow’s game, but he is progressing well.”

Arsenal fans will be hoping that Jesus will be back in action quickly, though given his patchy injury record they may also be concerned that this absence is the first taste of a pattern that will endure throughout the season.

Jesus injury update should spark Arsenal transfer reaction

Arsenal are not set to sign a striker before the transfer deadline passes. However, they have been linked with many goalscorers over the course of this summer. 

Even before Jesus’ injury, a strong argument could be made that the Gunners need a new centre-forward.

However, the Brazilian’s latest setback has provided a timely reminder of his frailty. Arsenal must now push to sign a striker, in what little time remains available for them to do so.

Ivan Toney has agreed to join Al-Ahli, meaning he is now off the table as a potential target. However, Viktor Gyokeres has been called a dream signing for the Gunners and could still be available.