Brentford without first-team trio for trip to Arsenal as Thomas Frank provides updates

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has said Pontus Jansson, Frank Onyeka and Thomas Strakosha will remain out of action this weekend. The Bees make the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to take on the table toppers Arsenal.

The London club have beenin great form over recent weeks and beat Southampton 3-0 last time out. They are unbeaten in their last nine league games and haven’t lost since returning from the World Cup break.

Brentford have been without defender Jansson and midfielder Onyeka over recent weeks. The pair are both close to returning though which is a boost but the Gunners game comes just a bit too soon.

Frank has told the club website: “Pontus and Onyeka are just too short to be involved in the squad. Frank has trained fully the last two days, and Pontus is close to full training. It’s very positive.”

Strakosha, who joined last summer after his contract at Lazio expired , has been used as back-up to David Raya between the sticks this term. Youngster Matthew Cox took his place on the bench last time out and is expected to do so again.

His manager has provided this update: “It’s a little tricky situation with his ankle. It shouldn’t be too long, but he won’t be available for tomorrow. It’s been hugely frustrating for all of us, but especially for Thomas, of course.

“He said to me the other day that he thinks he’d only been out for one week in his whole career; now he’s been out for three or fourth months [during his time at Brentford]. I hope he will come back soon. He’s a very good character and we are happy to be working with him.”

Arsenal will be one of Brentford’s toughest tests of the campaign so far. Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten last weekend away at Everton and will be looking to bounce back.