Saka, Martinelli, & Zinchenko: Arsenal injury list & expected return dates ahead of Brentford clash

Arsenal will be looking to continue their stunning run of form in the Premier League when they host Brentford on Saturday evening. The Gunners have been on an imperious run of late, winning their last seven top flight outings on the spin, and scoring four goals or more in each of their last four matches.

Their most recent demolition came against Sheffield United on Monday night, with Mikel Arteta's men 5-0 ahead by half-time, and eventually going on to score six without reply. That result left Arsenal third in the table, two points adrift of leaders Liverpool and one behind defending champions Manchester City. Those two sides face each other at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

By then, however, the Gunners could have already leapfrogged them at the summit, but if Arsenal are to win against Brentford this weekend, they may have to do so without a smattering of first team absentees. We've taken a look at their current injury list, as well as any prospective return dates where available, below...

Takehiro Tomiyasu

It's been a difficult season for Tomiyasu as far as injuries go, and the Japan international has been sidelined ever since returning from the Asian Cup last month. There had been hopes that he would be able to feature against Sheffield United on Monday, but that game came and went, as such, attention has since turned to Saturday's clash with Brentford.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Similarly to Tomiyasu, Zinchenko has been struggling to reach full fitness in recent weeks after sustaining a calf injury. The Ukrainian is another who will be hoping to make his return against the Bees, however. Speaking recently, Arteta said: '[Zinchenko and Tomiyasu] are possible, but we have to wait and see, especially with the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday. If that’s the case, they might be available on Monday.'

Jurrien Timber

Many expected Timber to be sidelined for the season after suffering an ACL injury on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, but the Dutchman has exceeded all expectations and is now swiftly closing in on a return to first team action. Speaking ahead of the win over Sheffield United, Arteta said: 'Jurrien is not close enough to be part of the squad on Monday. He's in a really good place, and now we have to manage the last bit of a difficult and complicated injury.'

David Raya

Raya will not be eligible to face his parent club, and Aaron Ramsdale should therefore come into the side as his replacement.

Bukayo Saka

Saka put in another influential display against Sheffield United on Monday evening, but was withdrawn after complaining that he felt ill. At this stage, there is no indication that he will miss Saturday's match. Speaking about the winger, Arteta said: 'He was feeling a bit sick and as well we have Fabio [Vieira] who we have to give minutes.'

Gabriel Martinelli

Another withdrawn against Sheffield United, Martinelli sustained a cut to his foot during a challenge at Bramall Lane, and hobbled off the pitch with the help of Arsenal's medical staff. As explained by Arteta after Monday's outing, the Gunners will now have to 'wait and see' before making a decision on his availability this weekend.