Arsenal are set to return to action against Nottingham Forest following the November international break, and they could be set to welcome some key players back.
Captain Martin Odegaard returned just before the break to start in Arsenal’s draw with Chelsea, but it has been a difficult few months without him and a number of other stars.
Arsenal have failed to win their last four Premier League games, and there is huge pressure on them to beat an in-form Nottingham Forest side who are currently level with them on points.
There were several injury issues heading into the international break, and Mikel Arteta has now issued updates on seven players ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash in his pre-match press conference.
Riccardo Calafiori returns to Arsenal training
Arteta has revealed a huge boost as Riccardo Calafiori has now returned to training after a lengthy absence.
“Ricci trained today, so his rehab is going really well. He was able to do certain things last week with the physios, and trained on the pitch this week with us and today, so he will be in the squad,” Arteta stated.
Calafiori picked up an injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 win vs Shakhtar Donetsk last month, but his return to the squad is a welcome one.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka back in Arsenal training
England stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka missed their victories over Greece and the Republic of Ireland through injuries, but both have now returned to training for Arsenal.
Both players were withdrawn in Arsenal’s draw with Chelsea, and they could be available for the visit of Nottingham Forest.
“They have had their first partial session today, so very good as well,” Arteta stated.
Leandro Trossard shakes off Belgium injury scare
Leandro Trossard was withdrawn with a suspected injury during Belgium’s Nations League defeat this week, but there is positive news on the 29-year-old.
“Trossard seems to be OK, he trained this morning and seems to be feeling good. We will assess everything with the doctor right now, as he was able to be part of that session, so that’s good,” Arteta stated.
Could Kieran Tierney return for Arsenal?
Forgotten defender Kieran Tierney returned to Arsenal training after a long-term injury, with his future at the club far from clear.
Arteta has revealed that whilst he is nearing a return, the Scotland star will not yet be able to feature for Arsenal.
“Kieran – not yet. He had a couple of sessions with the team but is not ready yet to be with the team,” Arteta claimed.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a return to Celtic, but former teammate Scott Brown claimed that he wants Tierney to succeed at Arsenal.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are long-term absentees
Arteta has revealed two huge injury blows, as Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are long-term absentees for Arsenal.
“Ben is going to be out for months. It’s been different kind of struggles, it’s never been the same thing, but we had to make a decision in the last few weeks, unfortunately,” he stated of White.
“He’s going to be away now for a few weeks for him to continue with his training and to change his environment a little bit because it’s been really tough for him as you can imagine,” Arteta said of Tomiyasu.
This leaves Arsenal quite short at right-back, but Arteta will hope that Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey can both stay fit to cover the position for the coming months.
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