William Saliba picked up an injury against Liverpoolplaceholder image
William Saliba picked up an injury against Liverpool | Getty Images
The latest on Arsenal’s injury state of play ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal entered the international break following a frustrating defeat to Liverpool to end their perfect start to the Premier League season.
After beating Manchester United and then enjoying a 5-0 win over Leeds United, the Gunners were issued their first loss of the campaign at Anfield. A late goal from a free-kick saw Dominik Szoboszlai snatch all three points for the reigning champions.
Arsenal gave Eberechi Eze his first outing for his new club as he came on in the second half to replace Gabriel Martinelli. While he couldn’t help his boyhood club get a result, fans are eager to see more of him as we move forward in the season.
Up next for Arsenal is Nottingham Forest, who enter the clash wounded from a 3-0 defeat to West Ham.
We’ve rounded up the latest injury news for Arsenal and any potential return dates for the absent players.
William Saliba injury update provided by France
Arsenal suffered a blow when William Saliba was forced off the pitch against Liverpool. Mikel Arteta revealed in an interview that the defender picked up an issue during the warm-up. After just five minutes, Saliba was substituted off.
The France international team released a statement on the player’s injury ahead of the international fixtures and confirmed he would not be taking part in the international camp.
It said: “He is suffering from a sprained left ankle. After a discussion with Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps confirmed the unavailability of William Saliba.”
Reports have suggested Saliba will miss three to four weeks of action as a result of this injury setback. A firm date has not been provided but if all goes well, Arsenal could have him back in October. They play Olympiacos on October 1 and West Ham three days later.
Bukayo Saka out ‘for a few weeks’
Bukayo Saka is out with a hamstring injury and is not expected to feature against Forest. Arteta confirmed ahead of the Liverpool clash that the winger would ‘be out for a few weeks’, which could mean a late September return if he stays on track.
Kai Havertz remains sidelined following successful surgery to treat a knee injury picked up against Man United. The club confirmed in a statement that a ‘minor procedure’ was required. His absence is not expected to be as long as many initially feared but he is still expected to be out for a number of weeks while he recovers.
Ben White has not featured in Arsenal’s last two games, while Christian Norgaard is yet to make his debut. However, the duo could be in contention for this weekend.
Arteta provided the following ahead of their clash with Leeds United: “Christian won't be in the squad. With Ben, let's see how he reacts and what we decide. Christian will be out for another week or so.”
Gabriel Jesus remains out of action as he continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Nottingham Forest injury news
Nottingham Forest are in a much more fortuitous situation with their squad fitness.
As things stand, they have just one confirmed injury within the team. Nicolas Dominguez has been out of action for Forest since May, after picking up an injury in their last game of the season. Reports in Argentina at the time reported that he had suffered a ‘serious meniscus injury’ and required an operation.
At the time, Dominguez was quoted a four month spell on the sidelines. There has since been a promising update as the midfielder has been named in Nottingham Forest’s Europa League squad. Their first match is not until September 24th, so the Arsenal clash may come too soon for Dominguez to return.
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