Arsenal have several selection headaches facing them ahead of their clash against Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta’s side need to get back to winning ways, having failed to win their last four Premier League games, but with Forest level on points with Arsenal in the table, they will not be easy opponents.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 3 |  ChelseaChelsea | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 |  ArsenalArsenal | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 19 |
| 5 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
Arsenal have been handed several injury boosts, as Riccardo Calafiori is now back in the squad, whilst there was some positive news as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were able to return to training.
Both Saka and Rice missed England duty during the international break, and Saka in particular is a concern when it comes to injuries, with the winger still doubtful to face Forest.
Could Bukayo Saka start against Nottingham Forest?
Saka was withdrawn against Chelsea after picking up a knock, and this came after a few weeks in which he struggled with injury.
The 23-year-old missed Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth in October after picking up an injury playing for England, and has clearly not been at full fitness since returning against Liverpool.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that Saka had completed a partial training session, with his availability still to be assessed.
“They have had their first partial session today, so very good as well,” Mikel stated of Saka and Rice.
“I prefer it when players are in the routine, in the rhythm to play. They couldn’t do it because they were injured, so, we have tried to facilitate everything that we could for them to be in the best condition for tomorrow.”
If Saka cannot start against Forest, then Arteta must now trust a forgotten player to replace him on the right wing.
Raheem Sterling must start over Gabriel Jesus if Bukayo Saka is injured
Arteta likes to hide Arsenal injuries to trick the opposition, and Saka is therefore still a huge doubt to return to action against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
If Saka is not ready to start, Arteta must now hand an opportunity to Raheem Sterling.
The winger was ineligible to face parent club Chelsea, and Sterling was an unused substitute against Liverpool, Newcastle and Inter Milan despite Saka failing to complete 90 minutes in two of his last four appearances.
Gabriel Jesus was selected ahead of him, but the £45m attacker did not make an impact when it comes to scoring, with the Brazilian on a frustrating run in front of goal.
Sterling’s lack of opportunities have come as a surprise, with the loan signing brought in as experienced cover on both wings, and he will stand little chance of rediscovering his old form if he is not given the chance to do so.
The game against Forest could be ideal for Sterling to play his way into some form, whilst Saka can gain extra time to recover ahead of a busy winter schedule, and Arteta must now make the bold call to trust Sterling over his former Manchester City teammate Jesus.
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