Arsenal handed boost ahead of clash with Nottingham Forest as Arteta confirms star man has trained | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says William Saliba could feature against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The defender was forced off early on in the defeat to Liverpool and then pulled out of the France squad.

But Arteta says he has a “decision to make” after the defender trained ahead of clash at the Emirates.

“He trained today so we have a decision to make if we play him or not,” Arteta said. “It’s very good news.”

Bukayo Saka remains sidelined, however, with the hamstring injury he picked up against Leeds.

“Bukayo is out,” Arteta said. “He is still out and he is trying to get back as quick as possible. We need to respect that process.”

But Ben White could be involved following his injury.

Kai Havertz will miss out again but Arteta says he is making progress in his recovery.

“Kai is looking really good,” Arteta said. “He is walking freely and starting to do some bits.

“It was a very tough decision for him to go and have the surgery. But it was the right one.

“He is putting weight on the knee and working towards weeks and months. I cannot say a time frame.”

Deadline day signing Piero Hincapie is also in contention to make his first Gunners appearance.

“He is a player we have wanted for a few years,” Arteta said on signing the defender. “With the departure of Jakub Kiwior as well, we needed another player in that position.

“He has a lot of experience for his age and we are very happy to have him.

“He’s ready to go. He’s trained two days with us and he had a very successful time at the end [of the break] under Argentina.”