Brentford have been dealt a huge injury blow on the eve of a London Derby which will see Arsenal come to town.
Mikel Arteta has seen his side struggle with its fair share of injuries this season already and will likely sympathise as Brentford are hit with their own injury woes.
Arsenal have been without much of their star players at various stages this season.
Currently, the latest Arsenal injury news, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe are all definitely out against Brentford.
While Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White are all either doubts for Saturday’s game, quite the list.
The Emirates outfit therefore will definitely have sympathy over the massive miss which Brentford are facing.
Brentford without Nathan Collins
According to The Standard, Thomas Frank confirmed what Brentford fans were dreading on Friday as he explained that Collins was set to miss “weeks” of action.
This massive blow comes on the eve of Arsenal’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium. The absence significantly weakens Brentford defensively along with the ongoing absences of Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey.
Collins will be a miss for Brentford aerially as the Irish defender has won the sixth most aerial duels in the league at 33 according to the Premier League website.
But it won’t be easy for Arteta’s side as Brentford will still have the dominant Ethan Pinnock who’s won 59 aerial duels this season a league-best.
Arsenal could end Saturday top of the league
With Collins out injured, Brentford are significantly weaker as he is their most expensive transfer. This will only strengthen confidence in the Gunner’s camp of a win.
Arsenal are only one point behind league leaders Manchester City, and with City facing 2nd place Liverpool, a draw could see Arsenal move to first.
This would no doubt begin further talk about whether Arsenal can push for the title. Many have predicted Arteta’s side to lift the trophy in May, and this would be a really encouraging sign.
How will Arteta line-up?
In our Arsenal predicted XI, we have predicted that Arteta will in fact not take a risk with his returning players.
In a game in which Arsenal should have the quality to win regardless, those who have faced fitness tests should be kept in reserve.
Despite this, the line-up predicted should have more than enough quality to pick up all three points.
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