Arsenal defender suspended for Brighton & Hove Albion clash

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been suspended for the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on the road on Saturday evening.

The Gunners have been in fine form with three straight league wins and they will be aiming to continue the streak against the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium.

Ahead of the game, the club have received a selection blow. Timber is suspended for the encounter after picking up his fifth yellow card at Brentford.

He will subsequently serve a one-game domestic ban and won't be available for the South Coast trip. In his absence, manager Mikel Arteta could be forced into a tactical change.

Thomas Partey was brilliant as the holding midfielder against the Bees on Wednesday night, but he could move into the right-back role to compensate for Timber's absence.

Declan Rice could come into the heart of the midfield with Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard playing ahead of him. Arsenal need a victory to keep up with Liverpool in the title race.