Arsenal team news
Arsenal will be without the services of Ben White against Nottingham Forest, and likely over the busy festive fixture period too. The full-back underwent a minor knee surgery and will need a period on the sidelines to return to full fitness.
The Gunners have also been without Riccardo Calafiori ever since he was forced off in the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk last month. It was expected that the summer signing could be fit to return after the international break, so he could be in the matchday squad come Saturday afternoon.
Takehiro Tomiyasu could return again after the two-week break. Having missed the start of the campaign, the defender had returned against Southampton but endured a setback in that cameo. Elsewhere, Kieran Tierney continues to be a long-term absentee.
Leandro Trossard limped off against Israel on international duty for Belgium this week, managing just 37 minutes in that fixture. It remains to be seen just how much the Gunners should worry about that problem.
Starboy Bukayo Saka was forced off against Chelsea before the break and subsequently pulled out of England duty. It is thought that was more of a precaution than a serious issue. Declan Rice is in a similar position with an ankle injury.
Doubts - Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice. Outs - Ben White, Kieran Tierney.
Nottingham Forest team news
Nuno Espirito Santo will arrive at the Emirates Stadium with much fewer injury worries. Elliot Anderson did feature against his former club Newcastle United before the break but is a small fitness worry with a knock.
Ibrahim Sangare is perhaps more likely to miss out with a hamstring injury. The defender hasn't featured since the second match of the Premier League season but his return shouldn't be too far away.
Elsewhere, Danilo is a long term absentee with a broken ankle picked up just eight minutes into the Premier League season.
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