Mikel Arteta can deploy Arsenal tactic for the first time in three months vs Nottingham Forest

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Mikel Arteta’s attention will turn to Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The manager will be relieved that international action is over in 2024, with the Arsenal players on international duty returning to Colney.

Many are desperate to see Arsenal kick on when the Premier League returns, having not won in their previous four matches.

The challenges aren’t over as in form Nottingham Forest visit the Emirates on Saturday however, Arteta will be boosted by one tactic he can utilise. 

Martin Odegaard will return to the Emirates against Nottingham Forest

Roy Keane and Ian Wright think Arsenal will beat Forest, who are currently level on points with the Gunners and Chelsea.

Part of the reason that Wright thinks his former club will earn three points is down to one thing Arteta will have for the first time in three months.

Martin Odegaard will make his return to the Emirates for the first time since August after making his Premier League return against Chelsea away from home. 

Odegaard impressed Arsenal doctors in a bid to recover from his injury, returning to action with a bang by starring at Stamford Bridge.

The ankle injury that Odegaard suffered during the September international break ruled him out of action for six weeks, leaving Arsenal’s attacking output limited.

The Arsenal captain’s importance became clear during his absence, as Arteta’s side struggled to create, with such woes solved when the 25-year-old returned.

After a long 11 weeks, the Emirates will see Odegaard grace the pitch once more, in what has been a trialling time without the star playmaker.

Arsenal’s record without Odegaard

It’s been a while since Odegaard has played in front of a home crowd, with his last appearance coming during Arsenal’s frustrating draw against Brighton.

Fortunately, Arteta can call on the Norweigan against Forest now that he is fully recovered and well-rested after missing the international break. 

It’s a significant boost for the Gunners, whose record without their captain this season has been a huge worry.

In seven Premier League matches without the 25-year-old, Arsenal have won only three times, drawing twice and losing twice to see form hit a rough patch.

As seen against Chelsea, Odegaard can make the difference for Arteta’s squad, with the creator needing to be at his best to break down Forest.