In the realm of football, anticipation fills the air as Arsenal FC prepares to face Nottingham Forest in a highly awaited Premier League showdown. But before the action kicks off, let's dive into the latest updates on player fitness and the team lineup for this crucial match.
Recently, manager Mikel Arteta was posed with a question regarding the potential return of several injured players: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman. His response hinted at optimism, stating, "There might be a chance, so I need to meet with the medical staff now." He continued, "We have a training session today [Friday], and from that, we will see if anyone is fit enough to join the squad for the weekend's game."
Arteta remained somewhat tight-lipped about which specific players might be ready to make their comeback on Saturday. However, there are tactical considerations to explore as he contemplates his lineup. One intriguing possibility is selecting Jurrien Timber to play as a right-back, or alternatively, positioning him on the left flank while opting for Ben White on the right side of defense instead of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Here's our predicted starting XI for Arsenal in a 4-3-3 formation: Raya in goal; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Lewis-Skelly forming the backline; Zubimendi, Rice, and Odegaard anchoring the midfield; with Saka, Gyokeres, and Trossard leading the attack.
Key players still shrouded in uncertainty include Hincapie, Calafiori, Mosquera, and Dowman, whose statuses remain questionable as match day approaches.
Mark your calendars for this exciting clash, set for 5:30 PM GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the iconic City Ground in Nottingham. And for those eager to catch the game live, tune in to TNT Sports for all the action.
