Key man: Igor Thiago
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Brentford have been sweating over the fitness of Igor Thiago ahead of their trip to Arsenal, and the star striker only makes the bench.
The Brazilian striker was taken off in stoppage-time at the end of Brentford’s 3-1 win over Burnley and Keith Andrews said he would undergo a late fitness test.
Thiago has been central to Brentford’s success this season, with his brace against struggling Burnley taking him to 11 goals in 13 Premier League games.
The 24-year-old was withdrawn as a precaution against Burnley, with Andrews admitting he was dealing with a few knocks.
"We've got a couple of knocks and bruises," Andrews told reporters. "But you get that from a game like the one we had at the weekend.
Thiago has scored 11 Premier League goals this season
"We've got a couple of bits and bobs that we'll have to decide on but, in the main, we're in a good place."
Brentford made a late call on whether to involve Thiago against Arsenal, and he is only fit enough for the bench.
Reiss Nelson, who is on loan from Arsenal, is unavailable to play against his parent club, while Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo remain long-term absentees.
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Confirmed team news
Arsenal XI: David Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Merino, Martinelli
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Saka, Jesus, Gyokeres
Brentford XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Pinnock, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry; Yarmoliuk, Jensen, Janelt; Schade; Ouattara
Subs: Valdimarsson, Collins, Arthur, Henderson, Onyeka, Damsgaard, Donovan, Thiago, Lewis-Potter
Time and date: 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday December 3, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports