Declan Rice is still recovering from a toe injury, which means manager Mikel Arteta has left him out of the starting lineup for the match.
Arteta confirmed on Friday that Rice, who missed England’s international fixtures due to the injury, has resumed training alongside Bukayo Saka.
Although both players are fit for selection, team news reveals that Saka will start, while Rice will be available only as a substitute.
Arteta mentioned during his press conference on Friday, “They had their first partial session today, which is very promising.”
Arteta, who is marking his 250th game as Arsenal’s manager, has made five changes to his lineup for the crucial match against Nottingham Forest.
The attacking trio will feature Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Saka. Despite a knock picked up during Belgium’s game against Israel earlier in the week, Trossard has recovered in time to start.
Captain Martin Ødegaard and star forward Saka have both passed their fitness tests. In midfield, Rice, Kai Havertz, and Thomas Partey have been replaced by Jorginho and Mikel Merino, who will partner Ødegaard as the midfield anchors.
Riccardo Calafiori is back in the starting lineup after missing a month due to a knee injury, which is a positive boost for the team.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber will start at right-back, covering for Ben White, who is expected to be out for an extended period due to knee surgery.
Arsenal, currently nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, will be determined to secure a win at home to keep their title hopes alive.
