Arsenal Guaranteed to Be Without Three Stars vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal will be without three crucial stars when they host Nottingham Forest this Saturday at the Emirates, with manager Mikel Arteta eager to see his Gunners get back into a groove of winning ways in the Premier League following their struggle through four matches in a row without a win.
While current form has seen the Gunners drop points of late, with just a solitary point separating themselves and Saturday's opponents Nottingham Forest, Arteta will be keen to see his team get back on track. The high-flying Forest come into this match with the same number of points as Arsenal, and Arteta has been impressed with the recent performances from.
"They've been really good, really consistent and top against the best opposition especially," Arteta said on Friday. "Big credit to Nuno [Espirito Santo] and the coaching staff for what they're doing. Their intentions are very clear, how they manage to take the games where they want. Really impressed to be fair with what they've done."
Ben White to Miss Out
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Arteta will be without right-back Ben White, who underwent a "minor surgical procedure" on a knee injury during the international break. The procedure is expected to sideline White for a few months as his knee issue had not been improving in recent weeks.
"It's not been improving in the last few weeks unfortunately," Arteta explained. "We know that Ben is going to push every boundary but it got to a point where we have to protect the player and we decided to do the surgery. He agreed with that and unfortunately that's going to keep him out for a few months."
Saka, Rice, and Trossard's Availability
Although there was some doubt over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, both players took part in training on Friday, and are likely to be in the squad. Similarly, Saka missed out when England played during the international break but seems to be fit in time for the crucial tie. Arteta named him:.
"Trossard seems to be OK. He trained this morning and he seems to be feeling good. We will assess everything with the doctor right now. But that's good. Bukayo and Declan as well, they had the first partial session today. So, very good as well," said Arteta.
Leandro Trossard, who picked up a knock while on international duty with Belgium, is also expected to fit for selection after impressing well in recovery training.
Riccardo Calafiori Returns
Arsenal also received some positive news with the return of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from a knee problem which has kept him out of action for the past five matches. The 22-year-old has continued to progress well through his rehabilitation and is ready to be back in contention.
"Riccy trained today. His rehab has gone really well," Arteta said. "He was able to do certain things last week with the physios. He trained on the pitch this week, he trained with us today as well. He will be in the squad."
Injuries to Tierney and Tomiyasu
The game, however, comes too soon for Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Tierney, who has resumed training, is "not ready yet", while Tomiyasu will be out for a few weeks as he continues his treatment for injury.
Squad Overview for Saturday's Match
Looking into the official Arsenal website, the Gunners will have 20 fit and eligible senior players who will be available for selection for the match with Nottingham Forest. According to the rules set by the Premier League, clubs can name a squad of 20 players for a match, something that gives Arteta a selection headache he hasn't had to deal with for some time. Some players may have to be left out.
The squad is likely to include young star Ethan Nwaneri while Myles Lewis-Skelly might be omitted as fit-again players like Calafiori and Jurrien Timber return to the fold. Academy stars Josh Nichols and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji have been part of matchday squads this season but will not be needed this weekend.
With Arsenal's title hopes hanging in the balance, Arteta's side will be hoping to take all three points against a tricky Nottingham Forest side. It should be an intriguing game, as both teams are fighting their way up the table in the Premier League.
Stay tuned for further updates on the match as the Gunners aim to get back to winning ways.
