Arsenal faces injury crisis ahead of Nottingham Forest clash. Arsenal gets ready to play Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on the September 13. Manager Mikel Arteta has a serious injury crisis that could seriously limit Arsenal’s early-season momentum. The starters William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are all unavailable. Moreover, Mikel Arteta had to look to their depth and tactical adaptability.
Defensive Blow: Saliba’s Absence
Central defender William Saliba sprained an ankle in the warm-up before Arsenal’s loss to Liverpool. He could be absent for a further 3 – 4 weeks of action. Moreover, Saliba is a key part of the Arsenal backline, and losing Saliba will leave a hole. However, summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is likely to start next to Gabriel Magalhaes. Saliba was composed, intelligent and solid in the back, and he will be missed against a physical Forest attack.
Saka’s Hamstring Setback
Winger Bukayo Saka is the second key creative player missing for Mikel Arteta after hurting his hamstrings against Leeds. It is believed Saka’s injury is not as serious as the previous occasion, and he is most likely not fit for the match against Manchester City on September 21. With Saka out, it is likely Noni Madueke continues on the right side.
Long-Term Absences: Havertz and Jesus
Kai Havertz (who had some minor knee surgery) and Gabriel Jesus (who is still rehabilitating an ACL), are both long-term absentees. Havertz’s return is unknown, while Jesus is targeting a return in November. Havertz and Jesus’ absences leave Arteta limited options in attack, although Leandro Trossard’s return from injury has come at the right time.
Positive Returns: White and Norgaard
It is hoped that Ben White and Christian Norgaard will both be available for the Forest game. While White has not played in the last two games, he is doing well in recovery, and Norgaard is potentially available from the bench as he has still not made an appearance for the team. Both could stabilize the squad heading into the fixture.
🚨 BREAKING:
Mikel Arteta confirms that Arsenal midfielder, Christian Nørgaard IS OUT for "another week or so" with injury he got in training last week.
Ben White will also face a late fitness test to see if he can be included. 🏥 pic.twitter.com/fBj0HFOmVj
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) August 22, 2025
Tactical Adjustments
Now that Martin Ødegaard has stated his shoulder injury is “under control”, Arteta can expect creativity from his captain to cover for the absences of Saliba and Saka, as Mosquera on display against Liverpool was promising, but the new Nottingham Forest coach, Ange Postecoglou, knows how to exploit Arsenal’s defence.
Conclusion
Arsenal faces injury and the list embodies the physicality of the highest level of football. Although White and Trossard’s return brings hope to the squad. Arteta has to get it right for this chapter of difficulty. The match with Nottingham Forest is going to be a real test for the depth of the squad and glaciers as every point counts in this title race for the Gunners.