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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Arsenal XI vs Brentford: Vieira starts - Starting lineup and team news after Odegaard injury blow

Thomas Partey returns for Arsenal against Brentford today but Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko are out of the early kick-off.

Mikel Arteta was typically guarded on team news ahead of a trip to west London but did confirm the setback for his left-back.

Emile Smith Rowe continues to struggle with groin problems that have plagued him for almost a year, and joins Mohamed Elneny and Reiss Nelson on the treatment table, which left Arteta with several selection issues to overcome against a physical Brentford side.

Arteta did not explain Zinchenko’s absence in his pre-match press conference but the Ukrainian FA confirmed his the defender’s fitness on Friday afternoon. Kieran Tierney deputises.

A statement read: “Oleksandr Zinchenko will not be able to help the blue and yellow during the September matches in the UEFA Nations League.

“The Arsenal player suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club which will require two weeks for treatment and recovery.

“Oleksandr immediately personally informed the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, of the unfortunate news by calling him. We wish Sashka a speedy recovery.”

Partey comes in for Albert Sambi Lokonga after his return from injury while there is a first start for Fabio Vieira in the Premier League.

Academy talent, Ethan Nwaneri, 15, is also in the squad. Ben White is fit despite missing out on a place in the England squad.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Vieira, Martinelli; Jesus.

Subs: Turner, Tomiyasu, Holding, Sousa, Lokonga, Smith, Nwaneri, Marquinhos, Nketiah.

Injured: Zinchenko (calf), Nelson (thigh), Elneny (thigh), Smith Rowe (groin), Odegaard (knock)

Doubts: Cedric.

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