Almost all of Mikel Arteta’s first-choice starters are available for today’s game between Arsenal and Brentford.
Gunners defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been struggling with a calf injury, and although manager Arteta has revealed he is now back in training, he is fit enough only for the bench against Brentford.
Fellow right-back Cedric Soares impressed at Wolves last week and Arteta has opted to slowly integrate Tomiyasu back instead, with Cedric keeping his place.
Emile Smith Rowe is starts and comes into the team on the left flank in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian is suspended after being sent off at Wolves last week during Arsenal’s 1-0 win. Smith Rowe starts alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, behind striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno has recovered from Covid-19 and returns to the squad on the bench.
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Lacazette.
Subs: Leno, Holding, Tavares, Tomiyasu, Elneny, Lokonga, Pepe, Hutchinson, Nketiah
Saturday 3pm GMT, Sky Sports
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Jonathan Moss
