Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Brighton: Predicted starting XI – Are we on?

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Dani Ceballos (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images )
Arsenal, Dani Ceballos (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images ) /
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Arsenal, Hector Bellerin
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and Allan Saint Maximin of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Full-Backs

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic earlier in the week, Hector Bellerin has been playing through a torn groin, taking painkillers to play and limiting his game in a way that has knocked his confidence and restricted his level of performance.

However, by the time the Brighton trip rolls around, the Spaniard will have gone more than two weeks without a match as Sokratis started against both Portsmouth and West Ham. Bellerin is expected to continue playing through the groin issue and Arsenal will ease his game time throughout the season, but after an extended break, expect to see him return to the line-up.

Opposite of Bellerin will be Bukayo Saka. Another player who has been on the verge of fitness issues after being overplayed, the 18-year-old will benefit greatly from a week without a match. Kieran Tierney is now back and might make an appearance on the bench, but, for now, Saka is the starter.