In a highly anticipated return to Premier League action, Arsenal is gearing up to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium this Saturday evening, marking their first match post the international break.
Currently occupying the third spot in the league standings, the Gunners find themselves trailing behind the formidable duo of Liverpool and Manchester City. Their recent 2-0 triumph over Sevilla has also positioned them well on their journey to secure a coveted spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
As the festive season looms, Arsenal is bracing for a demanding schedule, set to navigate through 10 matches across both domestic and European competitions within the next five weeks.
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges, with a spate of injuries plaguing the squad. Notable absentees include the likes of Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, and Martin Odegaard, the latter having been sidelined for approximately two to three weeks.
Adding to the adversity, the Gunners will be without the services of goalkeeper David Raya due to loan regulations, preventing him from facing his parent club. This paves the way for Aaron Ramsdale to take charge between the posts, marking his return to Premier League action since the 3-1 victory over Manchester United in early September.
Further compounding matters, the suspension of Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, following a red card against Burnley, will see him miss three crucial matches. Deemed a case of serious foul play, Vieira will be sidelined for fixtures against Wolves and Luton Town, in addition to the upcoming Brentford clash.
As Mikel Arteta's side navigates these challenges, the resilience of the squad will undoubtedly be put to the test during this pivotal juncture in the season.