The Gunners are currently six points clear at the top in a lead that would’ve been nine points if Manchester City didn’t forge a comeback against Liverpool at the weekend.
Arsenal make their way across London to Brentford on Thursday evening as they look to complete a double over the Bees following a 2-0 victory at the Emirates in December.
Merino
Ahead of the clash, Arteta gave updates on a number of players who have suffered knocks in recent months. He first started on Mikel Merino, who underwent surgery on his foot earlier this week.
“I think the doctors were really happy with the way (the surgery) went,” he explained.
“Now it’s the start of obviously a long process, we’re talking about bone healing. So, we’ll respect the timings, and I’m sure he’s going to do everything he possibly can to speed up that recovery.
“The timeframes, we’re talking about months - whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.”
Will Saka return?
Saka has been missing since injuring his hip during the warm-up before the 4-0 win at Leeds and Arteta next spoke on him as well as Odegaard, Max Dowman and Leandro Trossard.
“(Bukayo, Martin and Leandro), we will see,” he said.
“Max is still not available. However, he’s doing very well.
“I think he will be with us in a week or so, and then he can pick up the rhythm and be available for us.”
City are in action before Arsenal this week as they host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium. A win could reduce Arteta’s lead at the top to just 3 points, meaning a win against Brentford is imperative to keep their dreams of ending their two decade title drought alive.