Brentford's Nathan Collins set to miss Arsenal clash

Collins has been a regular fixture in the Brentford side this season, having started 11 of the club's 12 Premier League matches.

However, Collins is now facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

The centre-back, who has earned 17 caps for his country, sustained ankle ligament damage during Ireland's 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their final Euro 2024 qualifier.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's clash with the Gunners, Thomas Frank revealed that Collins will be sidelined for "weeks".

Frank utilised three centre-backs in Brentford's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break, but Collins's absence could force him to change his thinking.

The Brentford boss is also unable to call upon wing-back Aaron Hickey and forward Kevin Schade, who are sidelined with hamstring and adductor injuries respectively.

Josh Dasilva and Mikkel Damsgaard are progressing well in their injury recoveries, but the weekend's contest will come too soon for the pair.

In more positive news, Keane Lewis-Potter and Shandon Baptiste will be available for selection after recovering from their respective injury issues.

Meanwhile, Frank has insisted there is no "fear" in the Brentford squad, as they prepare to face Arsenal for the second time this season after previously losing 1-0 in September's EFL Cup tie.

"The team we are facing tomorrow have been on an upward trajectory, but we know we are good at home and fear nobody," Frank told reporters. "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."

Brentford are currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table after collecting 16 points from their 12 matches.