Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba is back in training but Bukayo Saka will remain absent as Arsenal prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates this weekend.
Speaking at London Colney, Arteta provided an update on a squad still managing several injuries but buoyed after strong international performances.
“William trained today so we have a decision to make,” he said, rather surprisingly. It had been reported in France than the defender would be out until October. “Bukayo is out. Still out and he is trying to get back as quick as possible. William trained today and the rest we’re waiting on. Ben is okay.”
Both Christian Nørgaard and Ben White returned to full training earlier this week.
During the international break, Mikel Merino scored four times across Spain’s two fixtures, Noni Madueke netted his first goal for England, and new signing Piero Hincapie helped Ecuador extend their remarkable record to 11 consecutive clean sheets, including with a late victory over world champions Argentina, which saw the Arsenal new boy in a scuffle with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.
Arteta praised the defender’s readiness after arriving from duty in South America. “Well he’s a player that we’ve wanted for years.,” Arteta said. “With the departure of Jakub as well, we needed another player who can play in that position. Yeah he’s ready to go. He’s trained two days with us, very successful at the end against Argentina.”
Arsenal return from the break determined to respond to their narrow defeat at Liverpool, having opened the season with a win at Old Trafford and a five-goal display against Leeds.
Their record at the Emirates against Forest is emphatic, six straight wins with 19 goals scored and only two conceded. With Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Madueke all likely to be involved alongside Martin Ødegaard, Arteta’s side have the attacking resources to reassert themselves in the title race.
Forest, under the new management of Ange Postecoglou, travel without Ola Aina and Nicolás Domínguez, stretching resources in key areas. Postecoglou has already spoken of embracing the challenge but inherits a side with a poor recent away record against top-half opposition.