Arsenal vs Brentford: Saliba ruled out ill as Arteta assesses Havertz; Saka and Odegaard back on bench

Arsenal travel to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday (ET) without William Saliba after the defender was withdrawn on the day of the game through illness. Mikel Arteta also revealed Kai Havertz is being monitored after feeling a niggle in midweek, while captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka return to the matchday squad among the substitutes.

Saliba sidelined on matchday

Arteta confirmed his key center-back has fallen ill and is not involved against Brentford. “This morning Wilo wasn’t feeling good so he’s ill. He’s at home, just short-term,” the manager said. The late change denies Arsenal one of their most consistent performers since his return from injury in December, a period in which he had started every league game. The timing forces a defensive reshuffle and removes a player central to the team’s high line, recovery pace, and aerial presence.

Saliba trained earlier in the week but was unable to take part on matchday. The short-term nature of the update suggests Arsenal expect him back soon, yet the immediate priority is navigating a tricky away assignment without him.

Havertz monitored after midweek niggle

Arteta also addressed the status of Havertz, who felt an issue after the midweek fixture. “After the game we played against Sunderland, Kai felt a little niggle, so we need to wait and see how long he will be out,” Arteta said. The forward’s availability has been managed carefully in recent weeks, and his role at Brentford is shaped by how he responded to late fitness checks. Whether he starts, features from the bench, or sits out entirely will influence Arsenal’s attacking balance and set-piece threat.

Havertz has been valuable both off the ball and in decisive moments in the box, so any limitation places added responsibility on the wide forwards and midfield runners to supply penalty-area presence and pressing triggers.

Odegaard and Saka return to bench

There is positive news for Arsenal with Odegaard and Saka fit enough to make the bench. The captain’s return increases control and creativity options between the lines, while Saka’s inclusion restores a high-output wide threat capable of stretching defenses and contributing in transition. Their presence strengthens Arteta’s in-game flexibility, allowing him to alter the tempo, shape, and chance creation as the match develops.

Both players have been managed with minutes in mind after recent knocks. Having them available as impact options could prove decisive late on, particularly if the match becomes stretched.

Defensive reshuffle and tactical implications

Without Saliba, Arsenal’s back line loses a cornerstone of their build-up and last-line security. Expect a tilt toward greater protection in defensive transition: full-backs may be slightly more conservative on opposite sides of the ball, the holding midfielder could remain closer to the center-backs on turnovers, and the team may pay extra attention to Brentford’s direct play and second balls. In possession, distribution patterns out of defense might simplify, with quicker progression to midfield and the wings to bypass potential pressure on the makeshift pairing.

Set pieces loom large in this matchup. Brentford are renowned for maximizing dead-ball opportunities, and Arsenal, minus one of their best aerial defenders, must remain disciplined with delivery contests, first contacts, and line integrity on restarts.

Stakes at the top and what to watch in ET

Arsenal enter the weekend with the chance to reinforce their position at the top end of the table. Rivals tightened the chase in midweek, sharpening the importance of each result during a congested run-in. Three points at the Gtech Community Stadium would preserve momentum and keep pressure squarely on the chasing pack.

Key themes for viewers on Saturday (ET):

• Back-line balance without Saliba and how quickly the reconfigured unit settles.
• The extent of Havertz’s involvement and its effect on Arsenal’s press and penalty-area threat.
• Timing of introductions for Odegaard and Saka and the tactical shifts that follow.
• Set-piece battles at both ends, with emphasis on Brentford’s deliveries and Arsenal’s counters from defensive restarts.

It is another test of resilience for a side that has leaned on structure, intensity, and adaptability. If Arsenal manage the absences cleanly and maintain their attacking rhythm, they can turn a disruptive matchday morning into a productive evening in the standings.

Sources consulted: Yahoo Sports UK, Tribuna.com, The Mirror