Arsenal Eye Timely Injury Boost Ahead of Crucial Fixture
Mikel Arteta will be looking forward to a potential double injury recovery for Arsenal as the team gears up for their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest after the November international break. The timing couldn’t be better for Arteta, who has had to contend with a wave of absences this season.
The Gunners have seen key players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ben White, Leandro Trossard, and Jurrien Timber sidelined at different points. While some absences were brief—such as Trossard, Saliba, and Rice missing one game due to suspension—injuries have posed longer-term challenges. Both Rice and Saka were forced off during the Chelsea match due to fitness issues, which also ruled them out of England duties.
Club captain Martin Ødegaard has been managing his recovery carefully, having returned to action in the Champions League against Inter Milan and completing a full match against Chelsea. Meanwhile, Ben White underwent minor surgery recently, adding to Arsenal’s defensive challenges. Although no timeline has been set for his return, his absence is yet another blow in a season rife with injury concerns.
Jurrien Timber, who had been sidelined for weeks, is now back in contention. However, with White unavailable, Arteta might deploy Timber at right-back, necessitating a reshuffle at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and young Myles Lewis-Skelly could all be in the mix for that role.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s potential return is another positive note, though the Japanese international’s limited minutes this season suggest a cautious reintegration. Alternatively, Arteta may consider Thomas Partey at right-back while keeping Timber on the left—a decision contingent on Rice’s availability. Despite reports of Rice nursing a toe injury, both he and Saka are expected to recover in time for the Forest clash.
As Arsenal aims to regain full strength, Arteta will be counting on his squad depth and adaptability to navigate a crucial stretch of the season.
