This afternoon (Saturday) is derby day in the capital and Arsenal can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League by scoring a brace against Brentford.

Arsenal duo Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe are out of selection against Brentford, leaving Mikel Arteta to take an easy decision ahead of Saturday’s London derby.
The former returned to training ahead of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by Everton after missing seven games in a row in all competitions with a hamstring injury picked up in the last game of the pre-2000 restart. Premier League against Juventus in December.

Meanwhile, during Friday afternoon’s pre-match press conference, it was revealed that Smith Rowe is back in light training having played no part in Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth round defeat to Manchester City or defeat of Everton as a precautionary measure for a thigh injury.

However, as Arteta noted, there is no hope the 22-year-old will be available for selection against the West London side, with his fellow Hale End graduate also not expected to be involved this afternoon.

“Those who were long-term, like Emile, Reiss and Gabi Jesus, are closer,” the Gunners manager told reporters in London Colney when asked to provide an update on team news. “They’ve started some activities and come out, but they’re not ready to contribute yet.”

With this game coming early for Nelson and Smith Rowe, it means 20 senior Arsenal players – as stated on the club’s official website – will be in contention for the Bees.
Of course, with the North London side back in the Premier League, Arteta is allowed to name a 20-man squad again for the game and it’s obvious who will watch behind the bench at the Emirates Stadium or watch events from comfort. from their own home.
Gabriel Jesus is also not ready to return, despite making great progress after knee surgery, while Mohamed Elneny faces a long break. With that, the Spanish tactician already knows the four stars he will definitely have to do without when it comes to completing the double against Thomas Frank and Brentford.

Also, based on previous decisions this season, it’s likely that Karl Hein won’t make the matchday squad against Brentford either. Firstly because Matt Turner is Aaron Ramsdale’s backup option and secondly it is rare for a team to appoint two goalkeepers on the bench outside of a European match.
Should the trend continue this afternoon, Arteta will turn to one of his academy players to roll the numbers. Given that he has few options up front, all signs are that youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry – named on the bench at Goodison Park – is getting another taste of senior team experience.

The 17-year-old, who scored twice for Arsenal Under-18s against Watford in the FA Youth Cup earlier this week, has been on the bench for first-team matches against FC Zurich, West Ham United and Everton this season without score goals. . I wait. You could be lucky for the fourth time to be included in the squad for the matchday against Brentford. Be the first to comment