Arsenal faces a setback as defender William Saliba has been ruled out of their Premier League match against Brentford due to an illness. Initially, Saliba was expected to be in contention to start, having trained earlier in the week, but he had to withdraw from the matchday squad. His absence is significant given that Saliba has been a crucial part of the team's defense, having started in 20 Premier League games this season.

In light of Saliba's withdrawal, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has made adjustments, bringing in Cristhian Mosquera to replace him in the starting line-up. This match marks an important moment for the Gunners, who recently experienced some pressure after changes in their squad dynamics following a victory against Sunderland. Alongside Saliba, the team also sees several changes with other players like Piero Hincapie and Viktor Gyokeres stepping up while key players such as captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are returning from injury to take spots on the bench.

The implications of Saliba's absence are notable as Arsenal aims to strengthen their position in the Premier League standings. With a mix of new faces and returning injured players, Arteta’s strategic choices will be crucial in facing Brentford, especially considering the competitive nature of the league this season. The situation underlines the team's reliance on player fitness and adaptability as they push for a successful campaign amidst the challenges of illness and injuries.