Mikel Arteta has named his Arsenal team to take on Brentford in Premier League action for their first match of 2025.
The Gunners have strung together back-to-back victories in the division after recent wins over Crystal Palace and Ipswich.
However, the Bees will offer a fresh challenge as they are imperious at the Gtech Community Stadium this season.
Thomas Frank has coached his side to be difficult to beat, while their forwards have shown a clinical edge in attack.
With both teams readying to do battle, Arsenal have announced their team for the big clash on Wednesday evening.
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Arsenal illness and team news to face Brentford
Arsenal had a few injury issues to consider heading into the Brentford clash, with some key absences expected.
Bukayo Saka’s injury has been compounded by long-term issues with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in recent months.
Raheem Sterling’s knee injury is better than first feared though, hinting that the star could be in line for a return soon.
There were rumours before the match that illness was in the Arsenal camp ahead of the match, though the strong team suggested that if there was any issue in the team, then it wasn’t enough to keep many of the main stars from featuring.
Sterling wasn’t involved though, with it seemingly too early for him to return to the squad from his injury issues.
Kai Havertz was absent from the bench though, with former player Martin Keown stating on TNT Sports: “Kai Havertz is a big miss — there’s talk of illness.”
Declan Rice was named on the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori was given a start once again on the left side of defence.
Ethan Nwaneri has been given a nod against the team in which he made his debut, while Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli make up the rest of the front line.
Brentford team news vs Arsenal
Brentford have been dealing with an injury crisis in recent weeks, which leaves the side with fewer options available.
The Bees were left concerned over the condition of goalkeeper Mark Flekken, though he was able to make a recovery in time to start.
There were further returns as Sepp van den Berg also returned to the starting lineup for Brentford.
Arsenal transfer target Bryan Mbeumo starts alongside clinical forward Yoanne Wissa in the front line for the home side.
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