Mikel Arteta’s decision signals shock Alexandre Lacazette to replace Arsenal against Brentford

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Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is set to miss out on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette against Brentford.

Arsenal’s preparations for the new Premier League season were shaken for the first time when Goal pointed out that disease was the likely reason for the former’s absence against the bees.

Shortly thereafter, The Athletic reported that Lacazette would also not be available for selection at Brentford Community Stadium tonight.

While last season was a struggle with Arsenal in terms of converting opportunities, Aubameyang and Lacazette still contribute 32 goals between them in all competitions and it will certainly be a huge loss as Arteta looks to start the new season with three points.

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However, the inability to contact Aubameyang and Lacazette from the start is not a new problem for Arteta as this was the case on one occasion last season.

The first leg of Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final against Villarreal saw a similar dilemma.

Aubameyang was deemed unfit enough to be named in the starting line-up, while Lacazette was not featured in the Tour squad after suffering an injury setback against Fulham 11 days ago.

And while Eddie Nketiah – a natural striker – and Gabriel Martinelli were available for selection, Arteta caused a surprise when she asked Emile Smith Rowe to act as the “9 Liar”.

Of course, the plan backfired as the attacking midfielder simply didn’t look as comfortable as the first attacking line, but it could be a hint of what Arteta might have planned for the trip to Brentford.

Interestingly, the situation was not entirely different four months after that disappointing night in Spain as Martinelli is once again available and instead of injured Nketiah, Vollaren Balogun will press for his debut in the Premier League.

The transfer window is in full swing and things are starting to pick up with Edu and Mikel Arteta’s dealings in the Emirates.

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Alternatively, Arteta can avoid repeating this mistake simply by keeping Smith Roe in his favorite No. 10 role behind the central striker who could be either Balogon or Martinelli.

Then on the left wing, Martinelli, Willian and Bukayo Saka are viable options to replace Aubameyang.

But it remains to be seen what Arteta does as everything will be clarified once the team he has chosen to face the Premier League players is announced an hour before kick-off.

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