Nottingham Forest injury update ahead of Arsenal | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is closely assessing his squad ahead of their upcoming clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Forest, currently fifth in the Premier League and level on points with the Gunners, are preparing for a tough test, with Nuno hinting that late fitness checks could influence his final squad selection.

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Ola Aina, who picked up a knock during international duty with Nigeria, is expected to feature despite concerns. Aina returned from Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Benin, where he was substituted in the 83rd minute due to injury worries. However, he has reportedly been given the green light to play, which will be a relief for Nuno as he aims to keep his defensive structure intact against Arsenal’s attacking threats.

Long-term absentees Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare remain sidelined, with Danilo nursing a broken ankle and Sangare recovering from a hamstring issue. While their absence continues to limit Nuno’s options, both players are reportedly making progress in their respective recoveries. Winger Ramon Sosa, who has been involved with Paraguay, will join up with the squad later this week, although his availability for the Arsenal match remains in question.

Forest’s preparations have also been impacted by international commitments, with Murillo and key striker Chris Wood returning from World Cup qualifiers. While Murillo did not feature for Brazil, meaning fatigue concerns are minimised, Wood has been in impressive form, scoring a brace and a hat-trick for New Zealand during the international break. Nuno will be keen to keep Wood in the starting lineup given his eight-goal tally in the Premier League so far, but Taiwo Awoniyi remains a capable alternative should Wood need rest.

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On Arsenal’s side, Mikel Arteta‘s squad has also faced fitness challenges during the international break. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice both pulled out of the England squad, though neither is expected to miss Saturday’s match. Leandro Trossard‘s situation is more uncertain following an injury with Belgium, while Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney are all working to prove their fitness in time for the encounter.

Ben White remains unavailable for Arsenal following surgery, meaning Jurriën Timber could be set to revert to his favoured right-back role. If Calafiori is not risked, Oleksandr Zinchenko could fill in at left-back, giving Arteta some flexibility despite the defensive absences. With Arsenal without a win in their last four Premier League matches, their recent form contrasts starkly with Forest, who boast the second-best away record in the division and sit behind Arsenal only due to goal difference.

Forest’s strong defensive record, having conceded just 10 goals—only Liverpool have conceded fewer—will pose a challenge for Arteta’s men. Nuno Espirito Santo has utilised the international break to allow several players to recover, but the fitness of returning internationals remains a key concern. Nuno’s approach could be pivotal, as Forest aim to continue their impressive away form, including their memorable 1-0 win at Anfield earlier this season.

Arsenal have been left to rue dropped points recently, and their only victory since early October was against rock-bottom Southampton. With Martin Ødegaard returning to fitness, the Gunners will hope to find some momentum, especially at home, where they have enjoyed a solid record against Nottingham Forest in recent years.

Saturday’s game is shaping up to be an intriguing clash, with both teams sitting on 19 points. With Forest showing defensive solidity and offensive firepower, particularly from set-pieces—an area where both sides have excelled—it could come down to small margins.