Brentford reveal Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbuemo availability vs Arsenal

Brentford boss Thomas Frank says Ivan Toney will start against Arsenal on Saturday, brushing aside worries about his fitness.

The attacker was feared to have sustained a leg problem towards the end of last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea but his manager confirmed in Friday’s press conference that he is fit to feature at The Emirates Stadium.

Toney — who has scored four goals in eight appearances since his return from a betting ban — has been linked with a summer switch to Arsenal. The Gunners have scored an astonishing 21 goals in their last four Premier League games but Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have recorded just 14 goals between them this season.

Mikel Arteta was asked about whether he has plans to acquire Toney this summer. «I don’t talk about any other player,» he replied. «If not I'll have to rule out every other player in the market because we're linked with a lot of players.»

Toney, who missed Brentford’s late 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in November due to his suspension, scored on his last visit to the Emirates in last February’s 1-1 draw. That is his only strike in three outings against the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s clash comes too soon for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbuemo as he nears a return from his December ankle injury. He has tallied seven goals this season and remains the club’s second-highest scorer.

Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal transfer plan amid Ivan Toney question

Arsenal risk Premier League title error

Frank explained: “He [Mbuemo] is obviously a key player. With the type of injury he had, touch wood, he cannot get a setback. It’s not a hamstring, for example, where he could provoke it. It’s just about fitness and sharpness.”

Neal Maupay sits top of the Bees goals chart on eight strikes and is fit