3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

2. Potential fitness boosts

For the first time in a while, Arsenal head into a game with a relatively clean bill of health. Mikel Arteta may have the chance to welcome back a few key players against Nottingham Forest.

Riccardo Calafiori has been absent since the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk but is set to return to the squad against Forest. Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the defender trained on Friday and will be in the matchday squad.

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have all returned to training along with Calafiori and have thus put themselves in contention to make returns against Forest. Not much clarity was offered on the trio but fans will be hoping the stars will present on Saturday.

It is not all positive for the Gunners however as Arteta confirmed Ben White is set to be out "for months" after undergoing joint surgery during the international break. This will come as a huge blow to the Spaniard who has consistently held the right back in high regard since he joined the club.

It is certainly a mixture of emotions for Arsenal in terms of player fitness and availability. While a key man in Ben White will be absent for the foreseeable future, it's looking positive for several players who fans will be hopeful can return to action on Saturday afternoon.

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