Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces an anxious wait over the fitness of captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Oleksandr Zinchenko as both players undergo late assessments ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Brentford.
The Norwegian playmaker missed his national team's recent fixtures due to a concerning hip problem, while Zinchenko continues to struggle with a persistent calf issue that has plagued his season.
Arteta's Selection Headache Intensifies
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta delivered a worrying update: "We have a few still in contention, and we're giving them every possible minute to prove their fitness. We'll make final decisions tomorrow after assessing how they respond to treatment."
The Spanish tactician faces a selection crisis that could significantly impact Arsenal's tactical approach against Thomas Frank's organised Brentford side.
Ødegaard's Absence Would Be Devastating Blow
Losing Ødegaard would represent a massive setback for the Gunners. The midfield maestro has been instrumental in Arsenal's creative play this season, and his potential absence comes at a critical moment in their campaign.
Arteta remained typically guarded about specific recovery timelines, emphasising that "we cannot take any risks with player welfare at this stage of the season."
Zinchenko's Ongoing Battle
The Ukrainian international's calf problems have become a recurring concern, with the versatile defender in and out of the treatment room throughout the current campaign. His potential absence would force Arteta into yet another defensive reshuffle.
With several key players facing fitness tests, Arsenal's medical staff are working around the clock to give their star names the best possible chance of featuring in this crucial London derby.
The Gunners travel to the Gtech Community Stadium knowing that anything less than three points could prove costly in their pursuit of Premier League glory.
