Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a mixed injury update ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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While Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and several others look ready to return, the Gunners face a significant setback with defender Ben White sidelined for months following knee surgery.
Bukayo Saka, who missed England’s Nations League games due to the injury sustained during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, is back in training.
Arteta hinted at Saka’s availability, saying, “Bukayo had his first partial training session today. He’s making good progress.”
Declan Rice, another key player, is also expected to feature. Rice played through discomfort against Chelsea but sat out England’s last two fixtures. “Declan trained today as well, in a partial session. He seems to be okay,” Arteta confirmed.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who returned from a recent layoff during the Chelsea game, is fully fit after skipping international duty with Norway. “Martin came through the Chelsea match fine and is ready,” said Arteta.
Leandro Trossard, who was a concern after picking up a knock during Belgium’s game against Israel, also appears to have recovered in time. “Trossard trained this morning and seems fine,” Arteta added.
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined for the past month, has completed his rehabilitation and is set to return to action. “Riccy trained today, and his recovery has gone really well. He’ll be in the squad,” Arteta revealed.
The positive updates were tempered by confirmation of Ben White’s extended absence. The versatile defender, who has been battling a persistent knee issue, has undergone surgery and is now facing months on the sidelines.
“Ben is going to be out for months,” Arteta said. “It’s been different kinds of struggles, and it hasn’t been improving. It reached a point where we had to protect the player.”
Arsenal have endured a challenging campaign with multiple key players sidelined at various points. With the Gunners aiming to keep pace in the title race, Arteta will hope the return of Saka, Odegaard, and others will provide the boost needed.
As they prepare to host high-flying Nottingham Forest, Arteta’s side cannot afford to drop further points if they are to maintain pressure on the league leaders.