Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a significant boost ahead of his side's Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest this evening, with several key players returning to fitness.
Injury Latest Provides Mixed News for Gunners
The Gunners head to the City Ground for the 5:30pm kick-off on Wednesday 17 January 2026 in better health than in recent weeks. Defensive linchpin William Saliba and attacker Leandro Trossard both started the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea despite being doubts beforehand, and emerged without any new problems.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres also bolstered his case for another start by scoring the only goal in that 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. However, the treatment room remains busy at London Colney. Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is still "weeks away" from a return according to Arteta, having not featured since pulling up in a warm-up before Christmas.
Piero Hincapie is also sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman continue their recoveries from ankle injuries.
Arteta's Selection Dilemmas in Attack and Defence
The return of Kai Havertz to the bench in recent games and the availability of Gabriel Jesus gives Arteta options in the final third. Despite this, the in-form Gyokeres, who played 82 minutes against Chelsea, is expected to lead the line once more.
In defence, with Calafiori and Hincapie absent, Arteta has decisions to make at full-back. He opted for Jurrien Timber at left-back and Ben White on the right against Chelsea, a solution he may repeat against Forest ahead of youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
The Premier League clash will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with streaming available via the Discovery+ app. Coverage begins ahead of the 5:30pm GMT start time.
For Arsenal, navigating this busy period with a patched-up defence will be crucial to maintaining their momentum. The return of Saliba is a major positive, but the continued absence of Calafiori leaves them short of options at the back. All eyes will be on Arteta's team sheet at the City Ground as the Gunners aim for three vital points.
