Riccardo Calafiori could be set to start at left-back when Arsenal lock horns with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Calafiori made his return from injury in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on December 21 – playing 32 minutes as he provided an assist – but was handed a full rest for the 1-0 victory at Ipswich Town six days later.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has started Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches, but the young left-back may now drop out for Calafiori amid the Gunners’ packed festive schedule.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a number of key players ruled out for the clash with Brentford, including Bukayo Saka, while question marks remain over the fitness of Raheem Sterling.
Arteta has provided an injury update on both men ahead of their battle with the Bees, telling reporters: ‘[Saka] had a procedure.
‘Everything went well. But, unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.
‘The news with Raz, I think it’s better. We have to see this week how he evolves.
‘But we expected it, the knee injury, to probably take longer than actually the way the knee is evolving in the last few days. So, hopefully that’s good because we need him.’
Arsenal are also without Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu for the match against Brentford, who miss out via injury, as the north Londoners look to continue their Premier League title challenge.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Brentford
Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard
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Where to watch Brentford vs Arsenal? Kick-off time and TV channel
Brentford vs Arsenal kicks off at 5.30pm on Wednesday, January 1.
Live coverage is available on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 4.30pm UK time. You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.