Arsenal are being affected by injury issues once again.
The Gunners haven’t had a fully fit squad available at any point this season, but they came close to having almost everyone back just a few weeks ago.
However, ahead of the clash against Brentford, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard are all doubts for the game, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz have been ruled out. Max Dowman is still unavailable too.
Mikel Arteta needs to find solutions to these injuries, and he may have to turn to an academy star to fill his bench – Brando Bailey-Joseph.
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Brando Bailey-Joseph called up to Arsenal training amid injuries to key players
Arsenal have several injury concerns going into the game against Brentford.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both missed the win over Sunderland, while Leandro Trossard limped off the pitch late in the game.
Arsenal have enough squad depth to replace those three players on the pitch, but they may need to call up an academy player to fill their bench.
17-year-old Bailey-Joseph, who made his senior debut against Kairat in the Champions League recently, could be that player.
The Arsenal academy star was called up to first-team training by Arteta on Wednesday as the Gunners prepared for their game against Brentford.
Other youth team players who took part in the session were Marli Salmon, Brayden Clarke and Andre Harriman-Annous.
It remains to be seen if any of them will make the matchday squad on Thursday night.
READ MORE: What Christian Norgaard said after facing Arsenal last season is a warning ahead of Brentford clash
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Brando Bailey-Joseph is a star in the making for Arsenal
Bailey-Joseph possesses all the skills you would want from an attacker at Arsenal.
The 17-year-old is rapid, can play on either wing, and has the tricks and skills needed to dribble past players with ease.
Bailey-Joseph is also very composed in the final third. He has directly contributed to 12 goals in 23 games for the youth sides this season, while often playing above his age group.
The fact that Arteta has already given the teenager his senior debut shows that the Arsenal manager is more than aware of his talents, and that could be why he was called up to training as well.
It’s unclear if he will get more chances at senior level this season, but there is little doubt that he will become a star for Arsenal in the coming years.
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