Arsenal missing three key players for Brighton clash

Arsenal will have to cope without three first-team stars for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Gunners suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night. They were completely dominated in the opening half.

Arteta will be eyeing a strong response from his players, but ahead of the game, the club have suffered a couple of big setbacks.

Kieran Tierney has been ruled out for the campaign following a knee surgery while Thomas Partey could be out for weeks with a thigh issue.

Aside from the duo, the north London giants will continue to miss the services of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been nursing a calf injury.

The big boost, however, could be the availability of Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian could make the squad after missing out with illness.

The Gunners are currently goal difference behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but have a game in hand over their fierce rivals.

Amid big injuries, the Gunners face a huge test of their top-four credentials.