The latest Arsenal team news and predicted line-up against Nottingham Forest - with updates on William Saliba and Bukayo Saka
Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend following the international break. The Gunners have a home clash against Nottingham Forest. Former Tottenham Hotspur man Ange Postecoglou will take charge of their opponents for the first time at the Emirates Stadium following his appointment.
Mikel Arteta’s side head into the game off the back of their 1-0 loss to Liverpool last time out. They have six points on the board from their first three fixtures. Prior to their defeat at Anfield, they won their first two games against Manchester United and Leeds United.
Will William Saliba play for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest?
Arsenal defender William Saliba won’t be fit for the visit of Nottingham Forest. He twisted his ankle in the warm-up against Liverpool and had to go off after just five minutes. Cristhian Mosquera was thrown in at the deep end when he came on to replace him against Arne Slot’s men following his recent switch from Valencia.
Saliba had to withdraw from the France squad for their recent World Cup qualifying games against Ukraine and Iceland. He is expected to miss three to four weeks of action which is a big blow for the Gunners. He is sidelined for the time being and isn’t likely to be seen until October.
In terms of other selection news, Bukayo Saka remains in the treatment room. He was substituted against Leeds last month with a hamstring issue. The winger wasn’t in England’s recent squad and isn’t ready to play again just yet.
Attacking pair Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are long-term absentees. Christian Norgaard and Ben White will need to be assessed ahead of the upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest. They need to make checks on them and decide whether to throw them back in. Arteta won’t want to take any risks with either though and will only select them if they are 100% fit.
Will Eberechi Eze start for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest?
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya will keep his place between the sticks against Nottingham Forest. He was beaten by a brilliant Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick at Liverpool. The stopper is backed up on the bench by Kepa Arrizabalaga these days.
Jurrien Timber has caught the eye so far in this campaign for the Gunners and will get the nod again at right-back with Riccardo Calafiori on the other side. In the heart of the back-line, Mosquera is likely to come in for Saliba from the off alongside Gabriel.
Martin Odegaard is fit again and is likely to start along with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Having the Norway international back available is a massive boost. He will be looking to cause Nottingham Forest some problems with his flair and creativity.
Noni Madueke stood out for England in their recent win over Serbia and will be in confident mood. Meanwhile, Eze made his debut for Arsenal against Liverpool following his move from Crystal Palace and is likely to feature on the left here. Up front, Viktor Gyokeres will be in the hunt for more goals.
Full Arsenal predicted line-up vs Nottingham Forest: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.
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