Defender Ben White made a return to the matchday squad on Saturday after recovering from an injury, sitting on the bench alongside new loanee Piero Hincapie. Midfield mainstay Declan Rice came off the bench during the Forest match, likely having been rested for the upcoming Champions League match on Tuesday evening.
Cristhian Mosquera has delivered some impressive displays so far after stepping in for William Saliba in defence following the Frenchman's ankle knock. Saliba could make a swifter return than anticipated after rejoining training on Friday, though the Premier League fixture arrived slightly too early for his comeback.
Speaking about Saliba and White's availability ahead of the Forest encounter, Arteta said: "Willy trained today so we'll have a decision to make whether we play him or not, very good news. The rest [trained] as usual, and Ben White as well, Ben's OK."
The French defender would ordinarily be amongst Arteta's first names on the teamsheet, but the manager is presumably considering Arsenal's crucial encounter with Manchester City on Sunday.
This suggests that Arteta will make strategic choices to preserve his key players for Premier League action, whilst attempting to secure victory with a potentially weakened squad. Therefore, Mosquera appears set to retain his starting berth against Athletic Club on Tuesday, regardless of whether Saliba receives clearance for the European curtain-raiser.
Odegaard doesn't appear ready for Tuesday's clash, meaning Arteta may turn to Zubimendi to occupy the Norwegian's role alongside Mikel Merino and Declan Rice. Fielding both Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze could prove risky regarding potential knocks, potentially opening the door for 15-year-old Max Dowman to break another record by becoming the Champions League's youngest-ever participant.
However, it's extremely unlikely that Dowman will get the nod over Madueke, considering his recent outstanding displays both as a Gunner and on international duty with England. The defensive line of Jurrien Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori will probably stay unchanged to maintain some stability within the squad, whilst Gyokeres will be keen to extend his scoring streak in another tournament for the Gunners.
Looking ahead to the journey to Bilbao, Arteta remarked: "I'm now preparing to win in Bilbao which is going to be incredible. I hope you all go because it's one of the best places to go, north of Spain, that's where I'm from. I think you're going to enjoy it guys and an incredible stadium atmosphere to play football."
Discussing the influence of his new summer acquisitions, the manager continued: "I have no question in terms of what we want and dressing room and feeling part of that or the support that we're going to have from our people, no question. But then things have to click and go well for you in the first instances.
"We have tried to create the right environment for them and the quality is there. I'm very glad that's so early already. You can see that they're going to add so much value to the team."
Therefore, whilst much of Arteta's team practically selects itself, the Spaniard will probably shuffle several players in and out to guarantee he has the optimal opportunity of securing consecutive victories against Athletic Club and City. With Odegaard sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Rice is expected to return to the starting line-up.
Despite potential doubts, Madueke and Eze are set to retain their places along with Mosquera, with Arteta's injury problems limiting his options.
Arsenal's predicted starting XI vs Athletic Club
(4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.