Arsenal is facing new injury concerns ahead of their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, following the two-week international break. Mikel Arteta’s team is struggling to find form, having failed to win a league match since early October, with defeats to Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth, and draws against Chelsea and Liverpool. These results have put a damper on their title hopes early in the season.
For this match, Arsenal will be missing key players. Full-back Ben White underwent minor knee surgery and will be sidelined, potentially through the busy festive period. Riccardo Calafiori, who has been absent since picking up an injury in Arsenal’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk last month, was expected to recover after the break and could be part of the squad for Saturday’s fixture. Takehiro Tomiyasu, who missed the beginning of the campaign due to injury and had a setback after returning in the match against Southampton, may also return to action.
Kieran Tierney remains a long-term absentee, and Leandro Trossard is now a fresh injury worry. Trossard was forced to leave Belgium’s match against Israel after just 37 minutes during international duty, and it’s uncertain how serious his injury is. Bukayo Saka, who was substituted during Arsenal’s match against Chelsea before the break, also withdrew from England duty, though this is thought to be precautionary rather than a serious injury. Similarly, Declan Rice is dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to return soon.
Arsenal’s injury list includes doubts for Calafiori, Tomiyasu, Trossard, Saka, and Rice, while White and Tierney are confirmed as unavailable.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest has fewer injury concerns. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could be missing Elliot Anderson, who is carrying a knock from his appearance against Newcastle United. Ibrahim Sangaré, who has been out since early in the season due to a hamstring injury, might also miss the match, although his return is expected soon. Danilo, however, remains a long-term absentee after breaking his ankle in the first match of the season.
Nottingham Forest’s injury doubts include Anderson and Sangaré, while Danilo remains out.