Mikel Arteta faces a wait on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard before Arsenal’s trip to Brentford.
Arsenal head across London knowing three points are essential, particularly with the possibility their lead could be cut to three points should Manchester City defeat Fulham on Wednesday night.
Leandro Trossard was forced off in the win over Sunderland, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have been sidelined since the end of January.
Asked for an update during Wednesday afternoon’s press conference ahead of the game at the Gtech Stadium, Arteta said: “[Bukayo, Martin and Leandro], we will see.”
Arteta also confirmed that Max Dowman, who has been recovering from injury since October, is not yet ready. “Max is still not available,” Arteta said. “However, 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.”
On Mikel Merino, who underwent surgery on a stress fracture earlier this week, Arteta added: “I think the doctors were really happy with the way [the surgery] went. Now it’s the start of obviously a long process, we’re talking about bone healing.
“So, we’ll respect the timings, and I’m sure he’s going to do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery. The timeframes, we’re talking about months – whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.” It is widely expected that Merino’s season is over and he is in a race to be fit in time for the World Cup.
Brentford arrive in seventh place despite the departure of Thomas Frank and the loss of key players including Christian Norgaard, Yohan Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo before the start of the season.
Keith Andrews’ side remain in contention for Europe, with only 10 points separating third from eighth. They will be without Fabio Carvalho, who underwent surgery on a long term issue, Antoni Milambo following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Kevin Schade through suspension, and Josh DaSilva, who continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Arsenal have won their last three league visits to the Gtech Community Stadium by an aggregate score of 7-1 and are unbeaten in their last 12 midweek Premier League matches, though they have not scored in their last three Thursday fixtures.
With rivals waiting for any slip, this is a test that demands focus, against a side who have already beaten Aston Villa and Newcastle this season and are more than capable of punishing any complacency.