Arsenal guaranteed to be without two important players vs Brentford due to Premier League rules

Arsenal return to Premier League action at Brentford this weekend, as Mikel Arteta looks to put the international break behind his side and the Gunners bid to kick on with their title push.

The Gunners are currently third in the league table, trailing behind Liverpool and Manchester City. They're also on track to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League after their 2-0 victory over Sevilla.

With Christmas just around the corner, Arsenal are set to play 10 matches across both competitions within the next five weeks. Trips to high-flying Aston Villa and Anfield will certainly test the team's title credentials.

But before then they head to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday night for a tricky test with Thomas Frank's Bees - having already won 1-0 in the League Cup at the ground this season, thanks to a Reiss Nelson goal. However, Arteta won't have a fully fit squad for the Premier League encounter.

Injuries have hit the Gunners, with long-term absentees Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey missing, while a knee injury has sidelined Emile Smith Rowe. But there's hope that Martin Odegaard and Ben White will return to the pitch after missing the 3-1 win over Burnley.

However, two other stars will also be missing, adding to Arteta's headache.

Due to loan rules, David Raya can't play against his parent club meaning Aaron Ramsdale is set to be in goal. It will be his first Premier League match since the 3-1 victory over Manchester United in early September, having been unceremoniously dumped for Raya since then - something his father isn't best pleased about.

They will also be without Fabio Vieira, the Portuguese midfielder, who is suspended after his red card against Burnley. Indeed, given his offence was deemed serious foul play, the Premier League have confirmed that he will miss three matches in total, with the ex-Porto man also supended for games against Wolves and Luton Town.

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