Arteta on Saka, Saliba & White ahead of Nottingham Forest
Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Ahead of the encounter, manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on three players.
The Spanish tactician said that Bukayo Saka is still sidelined after his hamstring injury against Leeds United last month, but the winger is trying to return as early as possible.
Arteta added that there is ‘very good’ news on William Saliba. The Frenchman has trained after his ankle issue against Liverpool. A late decision will be made over his availability.
Ben White was spotted back in team training yesterday and looks poised to make the squad tomorrow.
He told reporters: “Bukayo is out. Still out and he is trying to get back as quick as possible.
“Willy trained today, so we have a decision to make (about tomorrow’s game). Very good news.
“Ben is okay.”
The Gunners had a perfect start to the top-flight campaign with back-to-back wins before a late setback against Liverpool. Dominik Szoboszlai made the difference with a stellar free-kick.
Neither side deserved to lose after a drab affair, but Szoboszlai won it for the league holders. Arteta will want a strong response when Arsenal host Forest in tomorrow’s early kick-off.
Forest have a new manager at the helm in Ange Postecoglou after Nuno Espirito Santo’s sacking. Postecoglou is known for an attacking brand of football and won’t sit back.
This could play into the Gunners’ hands. Arsenal need to assert their dominance from the start. A victory would provide much-needed momentum for the hectic schedule to follow.
Arsenal face Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League opener after Forest. This will be followed by games against Manchester City and Newcastle United in the league. They have a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Port Vale in between.
Saliba could make his injury comeback on Saturday. Saka does not appear far from a return. It has been reported that he could be deemed fit to face Pep Guardiola’s side next weekend.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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