They now sit third in the Premier League table, one point behind Nottingham Forest and nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. However, for all the positive notes, Arsenal will go into the Brentford clash without star winger Bukayo Saka, who suffered a hamstring injury during their 5-1 win against Crystal Palace before Christmas.
Saka underwent surgery which will keep him out for several weeks. Arteta said: “He had a procedure. Everything went well. But unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months. I don't know exactly how much longer.”
The Gunners will hope to leapfrog Forest on Wednesday as they have a game in hand on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Brentford drew 0-0 against Brighton in their last match. It left them 12th in the Premier League table and 12 points off Arsenal.
The Premier League has appointed Peter Bankes as the referee for the trip to Brentford on Wednesday. This season, he has officiated in 14 matches, including 10 Premier League games. Bankes has handed out 60 yellow cards and two red cards this season. He was last seen in the Championship on Boxing Day as he officiated in a game between Bristol City and Luton Town.
Eddie Smart has been appointed as the first assistant. He is yet to referee in a game this season, but has been an assistant in the Premier League and the Championship. The second official is Nick Greenhalgh, who has also not featured as a referee this season. However, he has been an assistant in nine games this season.
The VAR will be Graham Scott, who is yet to officiate at all this season. He was last seen refereeing a Premier League game between Burnley and Nottingham Forest last season.
The fourth official on Wednesday will be Thomas Bramall, who has refereed in six games this season. He has dished out 24 yellow cards this season. Bramall was last seen in Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.
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