Arsenal face defensive worry as key players race fitness
Arsenal face a busy period in multiple competitions, and the timing of this injury spell is difficult. The team is balancing Premier League fixtures with European commitments, a rhythm that can push even the deepest squads to their limits.
For readers less familiar with English football, Arsenal are one of the league’s major clubs and are again competing near the top of the table, where small disruptions can significantly affect results.
Injury concerns build
William Saliba, who has become one of Arsenal’s most dependable defenders, travelled with the squad for the recent draw at Chelsea but did not make the matchday list after feeling discomfort in training.
Arteta addressed the situation during his Monday briefing and said further assessment was needed before deciding whether the French defender could be involved against Brentford.
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According to the manager, Saliba is dealing with what he called “a little niggle” and remains under evaluation, with the club hoping the issue will settle within days.
Leandro Trossard’s situation is similar in its uncertainty. The Belgian forward was forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich due to a calf problem.
Arteta noted that Trossard underwent scans late last week and is progressing, although the manager did not commit to a return date.
He again used the phrase “a matter of days,” suggesting optimism while still keeping expectations grounded.
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Longer layoffs
Kai Havertz faces a longer road back. The German international had a minor knee procedure in August and has been easing through a measured recovery plan.
Although Arteta previously hinted Havertz might have had a distant chance of featuring against Chelsea, he clarified that the forward still needs more time. His return is described as “a matter of weeks,” which would keep him out through several key fixtures.
In central defense, Gabriel is also unavailable. The Brazilian sustained a thigh injury that has kept him out of recent matches, and Arteta explained that while rehabilitation is going well, the club expects his absence to continue for several more weeks.
For a team that relies on the stability of its defensive pairing, missing both Gabriel and potentially Saliba complicates match planning significantly.
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A wider picture for Arsenal
The cluster of injuries arrives at a demanding point in Arsenal’s schedule. The Premier League remains tightly contested near the top, and Brentford, though a smaller club, are known for troubling larger opponents with a structured and analytics driven approach.
Missing multiple starters is never ideal, but it becomes more difficult when those absences affect the spine of the team.
Arteta has historically been cautious and even guarded in his fitness updates, often waiting until the last training session before confirming who is ready to play.
His measured tone this week suggests that late decisions will again shape the lineup. For supporters and observers outside the football world, the situation highlights how injuries, even minor ones, can influence both tactics and momentum in a season where matches come quickly and mistakes are costly.
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