Brentford star forward banned for Arsenal match

Igor Thiago is set to miss Brentford's match against Arsenal later this month, after picking up a red card in their game against Brighton on Sunday.

Igor Thiago has been a key player for Brentford in recent weeks, scoring three and assisting two in six games prior to Sunday's trip away to Brighton & Hove Albion .

But that run of form was brought to a swift end on the south coast, as the striker was shown a red card in the 23rd minute of their weekend Premier League fixture.

Though the forward was initially shown a yellow card, it was upgraded to a red for violent conduct after a VAR review, with the ref highlighting that Thiago had "pushed his opponent in the face with force".

A violent conduct red card means Thiago will miss the next three games, including a home game against Everton and a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United .

Notably from an Arsenal perspective, Brentford's third upcoming game is at home to the Gunners, and their fourth is at home to Manchester City . Thiago will be out for Arsenal, then back to face their title rivals.

Brentford will of course have a couple of games to adapt before then, but it's a boost to Arsenal's chances not to have to face the in-form striker.

Arsenal's Max Dowman is serving a three-match suspension of his own, having picked up a red card in the team's League Cup match against Fleetwood Town .

But Dowman has now sat out for two games already, so his final absence will be for the away game against Newcastle United after the international break. By the time Arsenal visit Brentford, he should be available again.