Mikel Arteta has suggested that Arsenal could welcome back several injured players in time for this weekend's fixture. The Gunners face Nottingham Forest away in the Premier League on Saturday and have been without three crucial defenders, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, alongside promising youngster Max Dowman.
During Friday's press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta offered a cryptic injury update, confirming there were no new fitness concerns following Wednesday's 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Chelsea. When questioned whether any of the sidelined players might feature this weekend, the Arsenal boss said: "There might be, so I need to meet now with the medical staff. We have a training session now and see if somebody is available for the weekend."
Pressed further on potential returnees, he added: "I cannot tell you but I don't know."
Arteta typically remains tight-lipped regarding team news, though he appeared to leave the door open for possible comebacks this weekend.
That said, Riccardo Calafiori seems doubtful to feature, as prior to the midweek clash at Stamford Bridge, Arteta revealed the full-back was set for an extended spell out with a muscular injury.
Centre-back Mosquera is believed to be recovering well after sustaining an ankle injury in December's 2-0 triumph against Brentford.
Arteta had previously described the injury as "complicated", but the defender has now been absent for approximately six weeks.
Hincapie sustained what appears to be a hamstring problem during the second period of the goalless draw with Liverpool.
The Ecuadorian international has undergone scans on the issue, though Arsenal have yet to provide a timeframe for his return to action.
William Saliba and Leandro Trossard both appeared to emerge unharmed from the Chelsea fixture, having sat out the FA Cup thrashing of Portsmouth. The pair featured in midweek and are poised to retain their starting berths at Forest.