Why Saliba misses Arsenal clash vs Brentford as Arteta blow explained | Football | Sport
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Premier League match against Brentford, with defender William Saliba missing the match through illness. The Frenchman trained on Wednesday to prepare for the match, but is now out.
It will be a major blow for Mikel Arteta with Saliba starting 20 games in the Premier League so far this season. He was replaced in the back line by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal go into the match at the Gtech Community Stadium looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points. Man City closed the gap to three points on Wednesday night with a 3-0 victory over Fulham, with Arsenal now looking to respond.
Better news for Arsenal, they have been strengthened by the returns of club captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Both players are deemed fit enough to be named on the bench after returning from injuries.
Despite not being spotted in training ahead of the match, Leandro Trossard was named in the starting XI, while Ben White, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga were all named on the bench.
Arsenal are, however, without midfielder Mikel Merino and Max Dowman. Merino continues his recovery after undergoing surgery this week.
There is also no sign of Kai Havertz in the team, with reports pointing to a muscle injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta explained via Arsenal’s official X account: “This morning Wilo wasn’t feeling well so he’s sick and he’s at home. Just short term.”
On Havertz, he added: “After the game we played against Sunderland, Kai felt a bit embarrassed, so we have to wait and see how long he is going to be out.”
Arsenal start eleven: David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard, Viktor Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Norgaard, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus.