Alan Shearer - Arsenal - Myles Lewis-Skelly - Premier League
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend against Nottingham Forest, who will have new manager Ange Postecoglou in the dugout for the first time following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Saturday’s clash at the Emirates already promised to be a stern test for Mikel Arteta’s side, but injuries to key players have added to the Gunners’ challenges.
Bukayo Saka is expected to remain sidelined as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against Leeds in August, while Kai Havertz is still recuperating from minor knee surgery. Gabriel Jesus also remains a long-term absentee.
READ MORE: Two Nottingham Forest players set to miss Arsenal clash
The biggest concern, however, is William Saliba. The French defender was forced off after just five minutes during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, later withdrawing from international duty with a sprained ankle. Reports from France suggest the centre-back could miss up to four weeks, ruling him out of crucial fixtures against Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City, Newcastle, Olympiacos, and West Ham.
William Saliba
William Saliba (Image credit: Getty Images)
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has highlighted the significance of Saliba’s absence, insisting Arsenal are a “lesser team” without him.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“Saliba has been a big player for them for a while and they’ll be a lesser team for it unfortunately,” Shearer told Betfair. “But you won’t get too much sympathy because of who and what they are, the money that they’ve spent and the squad that they’ve got there.
“That happens to all the big boys when you spend a fortune. You’re not going to get too much sympathy from rival clubs. There’s no doubt Saliba will be a big miss for Arsenal because he’s such a good player.”
Forest, meanwhile, are preparing for a new era under Postecoglou, the former Tottenham boss who failed to win any of his four previous encounters with Arsenal while managing Spurs. His reign at the City Ground begins with a daunting trip to North London, as both clubs look to navigate injury concerns and early-season pressures.
NEXT ARTICLE: Ben White reveals why Viktor Gyokeres is destined to succeed at Arsenal