Brentford will be without Nathan Collins against Arsenal with their record signing facing weeks on the sidelines.
The Republic of Ireland defender sustained ankle ligament damage while on international duty for his country in their 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat by the Netherlands in Amsterdam last weekend.
Standard Sport reported that Collins, who has excelled as an ever-present for Brentford since his £23million arrival from Wolves in the summer, would miss out against Arsenal and likely also the visit of Luton on December 2, but that the Bees were confident that his absence would not last for more than a few weeks.
Addressing reporters on Friday ahead of the Gunners' Saturday teatime visit to the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford boss Thomas Frank confirmed that Collins was indeed set for "weeks" out.
It is a sizeable blow for Brentford, who had recovered from a difficult run of form to reel off three successive league wins before being outclassed 3-0 by Liverpool at Anfield before the international break.
Now they face the significant challenge of trying to thwart another title contender in Arsenal, who should have the likes of striker Gabriel Jesus and influential captain Martin Odegaard back for Saturday's short trip from north to west London as they look to make it three victories in a row across all competitions following the lunchtime showdown between rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
“The team we are facing tomorrow have been on an upward trajectory, but we know we are good at home and fear nobody,” Frank said.
“I hope we have a fantastic game and hit a top level – a top Brentford performance.
“The fans need to be absolutely on it from the first minute and I will do my every best to make sure the players are absolutely on it. Hopefully we can have a fantastic game and win.”
In addition to Collins, Brentford will remain without midfielders Mikkel Damsgaard and Josh Dasilva against Arsenal.
Keane Lewis-Potter and Shandon Baptiste are now available again, with Ivan Toney still banned and the likes of Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey and Kevin Schade remaining long-term absentees.
