Arsenal take on Brentford in their next Premier League clash, with both teams looking to continue their impressive form, but with some possible absences due to injury troubles
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United
Bukayo Saka remains an injury doubt for Arsenal against Brentford in midweek(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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Rounding off the midweek action in the Premier League is the clash between Arsenal and Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday night. The Gunners will be keen to keep a distance between themselves and Manchester City in second, but the Bees won't make it an easy evening in west London.
Keith Andrews has impressed in his debut season in management, keeping Brentford away from any threat of relegation, while European qualification is in sight. It's a match that could be season-defining for both clubs, depending on the outcome, with plenty on the line.
However, the two London outfits won't be at full strength, as a mixture of injury troubles and suspensions look set to impact the availability for both Andrews and Mikel Arteta. So, with that said, here's a look at every player who could be set to miss out on the clash between Brentford and Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been struggling with a hip injury that forced him to pull out of the starting XI against Leeds United, missing out against Chelsea and Sunderland in the following matches. There is uncertainty over the winger's availability for the match against Brentford, though Arteta hinted that he may be available.
On Saka, as well as Martin Odegaard, the manager said: "The rest [of the injured players] we will see [about their availability]." That may hint towards a return, as he failed to rule him out of action.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal have been without club captain Martin Odegaard since the Leeds game, where he picked up a minor injury issue from the bench. Arteta previously said that the playmaker could be a matter of days away, but didn't give a specific update on his condition before the Brentford clash.
Odegaard has struggled with a few injury troubles through the season, so it remains to be seen how keen Arsenal are to throw him straight back into action.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal
Martin Odegaard is an injury doubt for Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))
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Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard was forced off during Arsenal's win over Sunderland, coming as a fresh concern for the side in the middle of their Premier League title chase. The Belgian international appeared to pick up a muscle problem, but there was no update from Arteta on his condition.
It means he remains a doubt for the Gunners, as the manager considers his lineup for the upcoming match.
Max Dowman
It's been a breakout year for Max Dowman, with the youngster making his stamp on the first-team while coming through the academy ranks. That progress has been halted by an ankle issue, which has kept him out of action for a few months.
The 16-year-old is nearing a return soon, but is not quite ready to get back into the team yet. Arteta said: "Max is still not available." He then added: "He’s doing very well, I think he will be with us in a week or so, and then he can pick up the rhythm and be available for us."
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is set for a long spell out after fracturing a bone in his foot. The midfielder has undergone surgery to help his recovery, but he won't be back for a few months, as he aims to make a return to the squad before the end of the season.
Mikel Merino faces several months on the sidelines
Mikel Merino faces several months on the sidelines(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
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Kevin Schade
Brentford star Kevin Schade is not available for Brentford's clash with Arsenal, due to a suspension. The forward picked up a red card against Aston Villa for violent conduct, which has resulted in a ban that will make him unavailable for the next three games, including the one against the Gunners.
Reiss Nelson
There will be no return for Reiss Nelson against Arsenal, as he cannot face his parent club while on loan at another in the Premier League. The winger made the loan switch to Brentford back in the summer, but has struggled to gain consistent minutes in the side.
Reiss Nelson isn't eligible to face his parent club(Image: (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))
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Fabio Carvalho
Fabio Carvalho is one of a few long-term injury concerns for Brentford, having picked up a knee issue earlier this season. The playmaker has since undergone surgery, which was successful, with a return expected for some time in the next campaign.
Antoni Milambo
Another knee injury has seen Antoni Milambo out of action, picking up an anterior cruciate ligament issue that required surgery. That was successful, but will see him out until next season.
Josh Dasilva
Josh Dasilva has been out of action for some time, but is finally nearing a return from a knee issue. There is some hope that it could be at some point this month, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case.
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