Mikel Arteta is facing a number of injury concerns at Arsenal ahead of the Premier League clash against Brentford on Saturday evening
Mikel Arteta provides triple Arsenal injury update ahead of Brentford clash amid Ben White doubt (Image: (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images))
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Ben White ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Brentford. The Gunners resume their Premier League title challenge with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening – just hours after Manchester City face Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal could take advantage in the title race if City and Liverpool take points off each other – with the likes of Jesus and Odegaard expected to return to the starting XI against the Bees. Arteta revealed that Jesus is fit and available to face Brentford after he featured for Brazil during the international break.
Speaking to the media in his press conference on Friday morning, the Arsenal boss said: “He [Jesus] is available. He played 96 mins in a really competitive match.
“He had a long flight. I have to see the condition.”
Jesus had been struggling with a hamstring injury prior to the break but was still selected for Brazil duty to Arsenal’s surprise. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes were also selected with all three players avoiding injuries before their return to London Colney this week.
Odegaard looks set to feature against Brentford after returning to Arsenal training during the international break. The Gunners captain opted to withdraw from international duty in order to focus on his recovery.
When asked if the Norwegian playmaker will be available against Thomas Frank’s side, Arteta responded: “Hopefully yes. We have another training session today.”
As for White, Arteta is hopeful the defender will be passed fit in time to face Brentford after he suffered a muscle injury which saw him miss the win against Burnley two weeks ago. “Hopefully if he’s able to train today he’ll be in contention,” the Arsenal boss said when asked about White’s fitness.
“We’ll find out in the next 24 hours,” Arteta added. football.london understands White is a fitness doubt ahead of the Brentford clash after sustaining a muscle injury.
Arteta is currently without Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber and Emile Smith Rowe. However, Takehiro Tomiyasu could continue in place of White in defence if the 26-year-old is unavailable for selection.