After losing only their second league game of the season last time out at Goodison Park, Arsenal will be looking to bounce back straight away and continue their title charge as they host Brentford at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
The last time Arsenal lost a game in the league was at Old Trafford & who did they face the following week? Brentford, in which they produced the perfect response as Mikel Arteta’s men ran out 3-0 winners away from home.
The boss will be hoping his team can replicate the same result on Saturday, however it’s still unclear whether a few players will make the squad due to recent injury issues…
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe has been out with a groin issue for the majority of the 2022/23 season, with Arsenal’s number 10 being limited to only five appearances so far this season.
The Hale End academy graduate did return with substitute appearances against Tottenham and Oxford United but was missing for the FA Cup clash against Manchester City & Arsenal’s most recent game against Everton as he was suffering with a thigh strain and was left out as a precaution.
Emile Smith Rowe hasn’t yet been pictured in training since the defeat at Goodison Park, however if he is back at London Colney this week then it’s possible he could make the squad for the weekend.
He’s not completely ruled out for the fixture yet.
Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson suffered a hamstring injury in the friendly with Juventus in December which was a big blow for the player at the time considering the good form he was on before that injury.
However, the good news is Reiss Nelson is back in full first-team training after returning last week and is expected to be in the squad for the game at the Emirates this weekend.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is progressing well from the knee injury he picked up at the World Cup over two months ago now. The Brazilian was seen back running on grass this week as he continues his rehabilitation to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
The Brentford game this weekend will come too soon for Arsenal’s number nine. A more accurate return date is the end of this month, as long as everything continues to go to plan.
Regardless, the comeback is getting ever closer which can only be good news for Mikel Arteta, despite the way Eddie Nketiah has stepped up in Gabriel Jesus’ absence over the last couple of month. The more options the better.
View this post on Instagram
