Mikel Arteta was able to welcome Martin Odegaard back into the side prior to the international break after three months out with an ankle injury and there is more positive news for the Gunners.
Neither Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka featured for England during the international break, with Rice nursing a broken toe and Saka dealing with a knock he picked up at Stamford Bridge at Chelsea.
However, speaking on Friday, Arteta said that both had now returned to training, while the Spaniard also confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori is set to play a part on Saturday.
The Italian suffered a knee injury against Shakhtar Donetsk last month and remained at London Colney to step his recovery during the break.
‘Riccy trained today,’ added Arteta. ‘His rehab has gone really well. He will be in the squad.’
But the forward was assessed upon his return to the club and also looks set to to recover in time.
A noticeable blow for the Gunners, however, is the long-term injury suffered by Ben White who had been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks.
Arsenal need to keep a close eye on Chris Wood ((Squawka)
The right-back underwent minor knee surgery in the international break but is set to be out for a ‘few months’ as he begins his rehabilitation.
Takehiro Tomiyasu meanwhile is continuing his recovery from a knee problem of his own, with fellow full-back Kieran Tierney also still sidelined.
Arsenal 4-3-3 v2 lineup
How Arsenal could line up this weekend…
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Nottingham Forest
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
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