There were a number of surprises when Arsenal’s squad for their game against Brentford was announced but the biggest was the absence of William Saliba.
Arsenal head to Brentford knowing anything less than three points will have allowed Man City to close both the points and goal difference gap during this game week.
As we had expected, Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard were both fit enough to be with the squad. The latter was named to start with the former on the bench.
Bukayo Saka has also returned from his hip problem more than a week ahead of schedule and is also on the bench. He was not expected back until the game at Tottenham.
But with the news that Kai Havertz is facing around a month out with a muscular injury, William Saliba’s absence was a concern.
However, it seems that the defender is not injured, rather, he is ill.
As always, you can keep up-to-date with the latest Arsenal injury news on our dedicated injury page. Scroll down for the table that is updated as soon as news becomes available.
Arsenal team to face Brentford:
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Madueke, Eze, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Jesus.