Every Brentford player out of the game

A season of high expectations for Arsenal has so far been marred by injuries, but the Gunners enter the new calendar year in high spirits.

Martin Odegaard’s ankle problem eased a busy fall and Bukayo Saka’s a torn hamstring has many fans looking at the club’s chances during the second half of the season. After struggling to adjust to the absence of his captain earlier this year, Mikel Arteta training will be key amid star Saka’s recovery.

Life without their talismanic wide man began with a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Friday night, a trip to Brentford on New Year’s Day next for title hopefuls.

Here’s the latest Arsenal injury news ahead of their first game in 2025.

Arsenal they’ve had problems at full-back all season, with Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko missing due to injuries.

As a result, Thomas Partey was occasionally used at right-back, and Timber returned as the undisputed starter. However, the Dutchman’s job will be made easier for once Ben White is recovering from minor ankle surgery he underwent during the international break in November.

White has been sidelined for about six weeks and there is still no timeline for his return. Updates on his recovery are few and far between.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is capable of providing cover across Arsenal’s back line, but the Japan international has made just one appearance all season due to a recurring knee injury. He has experienced multiple setbacks in his recovery and it is not yet known when he will be fit and available again.

The mood was sour in North London as a result Sakina rupturing his hamstring during the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace before Christmas.

The winger has since undergone surgery and Arteta suggests he will be out for more than two months. It’s a devastating blow – one made worse Raheem Sterling knee injury.

Sterling has barely featured since joining the club on loan, but would undoubtedly be a nice option without Saka. The experienced wide player could return at some point in January, but Arteta is currently relying on Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossardo and Gabriel Jesus to cushion Saka’s absence.

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