Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hoping his side’s mini injury crisis eases before Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners fell victim to a spate of in-game injuries prior to the international break, causing the Spaniard an early-season headache.
Mikel Arteta has seen his sight blighted with injuries just three games into the new season
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Mikel Arteta has seen his sight blighted with injuries just three games into the new season
And he can ill-afford a second consecutive league defeat following the 1-0 loss to champions Liverpool last time out.
Arteta welcomes Forest and former north London rival Ange Postecoglou back to the Emirates Stadium this weekend after confirmation on Tuesday that the ex-Tottenham boss had succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground.
Any idea of a new-manager bounce simply won't cut it for Arteta and his star-studded squad despite the possible absence of key individuals.
Defender William Saliba limped off just five minutes into the defeat at Anfield with an ankle injury suffered in the warm-up and subsequently pulled out of the France squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers.
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Will Saliba be ready in time to face Nottingham Forest?
Unfortunately for Arteta and Arsenal, Saliba will not be available for Saturday’s Premier League clash as he continues his recovery from injury.
But the bad news doesn't end there…
The Frenchman is expected to be out a further three or four weeks, according to reports in France.
The report claims Saliba could even be a doubt for October’s qualifiers against Iceland on October 10 and Azerbaijan on October 13.
That will see Saliba miss a host of key fixtures including the Gunners first two Champions League clashes against Athletic Club and Olympiacos.
In addition, he would also be sidelined for the crunch Premier League matches against Manchester City and Newcastle.
William Saliba will be unavailable for the visit of Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injury
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William Saliba will be unavailable for the visit of Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injuryCredit: Getty
Who else has been sidelined?
Kai Havertz remains out of action after undergoing surgery for an injury picked up in the opening-weekend victory over Manchester United.
The German has endured a torrid year with injury after spending three months in the treatment room for a hamstring injury at the back end of last season.
Bukayo Saka limped out of Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds on August 23 and missed the trip to Anfield and England’s double header against Andorra and Serbia.
Arteta is hopeful that Saka will be available following the lay-off and ahead of the Gunners Champions League campaign which kicks off in Bilbao next Tuesday.
Elsewhere, summer signing Christian Norgaard and defender Ben White could make their returns against Forest after spells in the treatment room.
Martin Odegaard, who picked up an injury against Leeds, made his return as a substitute against Liverpool and is in contention for Saturday’s fixture.
Christian Norgaard is closing in on his return to action following injury
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Christian Norgaard is closing in on his return to action following injuryCredit: Getty
But doubts remain over the fitness of Bukayo Saka
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But doubts remain over the fitness of Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Date and how to follow
The Premier League clash will take place on Saturday September 13 with kick off at Emirates Stadium taking place at 12.30pm.
Fans can follow the action live and exclusively on talkSPORT from 12:30 with Reshmin Chowdhury presenting from the Emirates.
Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former England captain Stuart Pearce
talkSPORt will be live at the Emirates on Saturday for the first Premier League fixture of gameweek 4
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talkSPORt will be live at the Emirates on Saturday for the first Premier League fixture of gameweek 4Credit: Getty
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
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You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
The match will also be broadcast on Sky Sports while SkyGo customers will be able to stream through their laptops and mobile devices.