Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break and are positive about the fitness of several key players ahead of the visit of Nottingham Forest this afternoon.
Mikel Arteta was able to welcome Martin Odegaard back into the side prior to the international break after three months out with an ankle injury and there is more positive news for the Gunners.
Neither Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka featured for England during the international break, with Rice nursing a broken toe and Saka dealing with a knock he picked up at Stamford Bridge at Chelsea.
However, speaking on Friday, Arteta said that both had now returned to training, while the Spaniard also confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori is set to play a part on Saturday.
The Italian suffered a knee injury against Shakhtar Donetsk last month and remained at London Colney to step his recovery during the break.
‘Riccy trained today,’ added Arteta. ‘His rehab has gone really well. He will be in the squad.’
It wasn’t all good news over the international break, though, with Leandro Trossard picking up a knock while playing for Belgium against Israel.
But the forward was assessed upon his return to the club and also looks set to to recover in time.
A noticeable blow for the Gunners, however, is the long-term injury suffered by Ben White who had been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks.
The right-back underwent minor knee surgery in the international break but is set to be out for a ‘few months’ as he begins his rehabilitation.
Takehiro Tomiyasu meanwhile is continuing his recovery from a knee problem of his own, with fellow full-back Kieran Tierney also still sidelined.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Nottingham Forest
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Where to watch Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest? Kick-off time and TV channel
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 23 November.
Given its 3pm kick-off slot, the match is not available to watch live in the UK. But you can follow all the action on Metro’s live matchday blog.
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