Arsenal faced somewhat of an injury crisis before the international break, with a number of influential players becoming unavailable.
However, the absence of club football may prove to be beneficial for Mikel Arteta, as his team continue to recover from a hectic past few weeks.
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Arsenal injury news ahead of Brentford clash:
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus hasn’t featured for the Gunners since his mesmeric Champions League display in late October, but completed a full 90 minutes for his country this week.
He appears to have managed the match fitness wise, and is therefore thought to be up for selection against Brentford.
The forward has been important when playing for Arsenal this season, but fitness has been his inconsistency. Speaking on the matter in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “He is available.
“He played 96 mins in a really competitive match. He had a long flight, I have to see the condition.”
Gabbygoal 😮💨 https://t.co/J8lKscq3rU pic.twitter.com/J6xxK70a50
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 14, 2023
Martin Odegaard
Like his Brazilian teammate, the Arsenal captain is also thought to be back from injury and available for the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.
After returning from a previous problem with a goal against West Ham, the midfielder missed the next three games with a suspected concussion.
Odegaard did withdraw from international duty, but Norway boss Stale Solbakken believes that his captain is doing well fitness wise.
Solbakken said: “I’ve just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin. He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up.
“It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step. Both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also provided an update on Odegaard’s availability today: “Hopefully yes. We have another training session today.”
Ben White
Ben White has been a stalwart in Arsenal’s defence for the past few seasons, but was a surprise omission for the Gunners win over Burnley.
However, it is thought the 26-year-old should be back this weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said: “Hopefully if he’s able to train today he’ll be in contention. We’ll find out in the next 24 hours.”
Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Martin Ødegaard is available, as he has been progressing well. Gabriel Jesus is available. Ben White will hopefully be available if he can train today. [@sr_collings] pic.twitter.com/bFfW7U5SbV
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) November 24, 2023
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe featured in the 5-0 victory over Sheffield United but was then absent from the squad that faced West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
Arteta said afterwards: “He’s got an injury in his knee and he’s going to be out for weeks.”
It is thought that the midfielder will be back by the end of the year.
Jurrien Timber
Arsenal’s summer signing has been out with an ACL injury since the opening day of the Premier League campaign, a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The Dutchman continues his recovery, and will aim to return in early 2024. When asked this morning on whether Timber would be back on the grass soon, Arteta said: “I Hope so. Doing what kind of activity that’s something very different. He’s been for a few walks but that’s very far from competing.”
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