arsenal pair Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe are not in contention for selection against Brentford, thus leaving Mikel Arteta with a straightforward decision to make for Saturday’s London Derby.
The former made his return to full training ahead of last weekend’s 1-0 reverse against Everton having missed seven games in a row across all competitions with a hamstring injury sustained in the Gunners’ final pre-Premier League restart friendly against Juventus back in December.
Meanwhile, it was revealed during the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon that Smith Rowe is back in light training after playing no part in Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round defeat away at Manchester City or the Everton loss as a precaution over a thigh injury.
arsenal pair Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe are not in contention for selection against Brentford, thus leaving Mikel Arteta with a straightforward decision to make for Saturday’s London Derby.
The former made his return to full training ahead of last weekend’s 1-0 reverse against Everton having missed seven games in a row across all competitions with a hamstring injury sustained in the Gunners’ final pre-Premier League restart friendly against Juventus back in December.
Meanwhile, it was revealed during the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon that Smith Rowe is back in light training after playing no part in Arsenal’s FA Cup fourth-round defeat away at Manchester City or the Everton loss as a precaution over a thigh injury.
With this game coming too soon for Nelson and Smith Rowe, it means 20 senior Arsenal players – as listed on the club’s official website – will be in contention to face the Bees.
Of course, as the north London outfit are back in Premier League action, Arteta is once again permitted to name a 20-man matchday squad for the game, and it’s evident as to who will be looking on from behind the bench at the Emirates Stadium or watching events unfold from the comfort of their homes.
Gabriel Jesus is not ready to return either, despite making great progress following knee surgery, while Mohamed Elneny is facing a long spell on the sidelines. Therefore, the Spanish tactician already knows the four stars he is guaranteed to be without as he aims to complete the double over Thomas Frank and Brentford.
Furthermore, based on previous decisions this season, it’s likely that Karl Hein won’t make the matchday squad vs Brentford also. Firstly because Matt Turner is the backup option to Aaron Ramsdale and secondly it’s rare for a team to name two goalkeepers on the bench outside of a European fixture.
Should the trend continue this afternoon, then Arteta will turn to one of his academy players to make up the numbers. Considering he is short of attacking options, all signs point towards youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry – named on the bench at Goodison Park – getting another taste of a senior matchday squad experience.
The 17-year-old, who scored twice for the Arsenal U18’s against Watford in the FA Youth Cup earlier in the week, has been on the bench for first-team games against FC Zurich, West Ham United, and Everton this season without making an appearance. Perhaps it will be fourth time lucky if included in the matchday squad vs Brentford.