Igor Thiago injury update after Brentford striker benched against Arsenal | OneFootball

The striker was absent from the starting line-up on Wednesday night

Keith Andrews has appeared to allay injury fears over Brentford striker Igor Thiago ahead of Wednesday evening’s game at Arsenal.

Thiago has been named on the bench as the Bees prepare to take on league leaders at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazilian, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Brentford this season, had been a doubt for tonight’s game after being withdrawn late on during the Bees’ 3-1 win over Burnley.

"I feel it's right. Tough week, tough games. We have the luxury of making changes and a couple of knocks to consider,” Andrews told Sky Sports pre-match.

"It's about tonight, in terms of the confidence I have in the group. There's a calmness about the players.

"I have no doubts about the players coming into the team. They are consummate professionals.

With a trip to Tottenham to come on Saturday, Andrews has rested some of his key players, with Mikkel Damsgaard, Nathan Collins and Jordan Henderson dropping to the bench.

Brentford have struggled away from home, winning just once on the road this term, and face an Arsenal side yet to lose at the Emirates this season.

"Thiago's having an amazing season, especially off the back of his injury last year. He's taken the division by storm,” Andrews continued.

"But we are playing in a slightly different way tonight. We've got different strengths in our armoury we are looking to utilise."