Mikel Arteta faces injury concerns as Arsenal duo miss training ahead of Forest game

Mikel Arteta suffers injury blow as Arsenal pair miss training ahead of Forest match.
(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in their first game following the November international break.

Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard were notably absent from training on Thursday, casting doubt over their availability for the upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s team is aiming for their first win in four Premier League matches after a poor run before the international break. Both Saka and Trossard missed the international break and their absence from recent training sessions could be a significant setback for Arteta.

Saka, who has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, picked up a hamstring injury during the match against Chelsea before the international break. Despite withdrawing from the England squad to focus on his recovery, Saka’s absence from training has raised concerns about his fitness for the Forest game. Manager Mikel Arteta described it as a “race against time” to get Saka back to full health.

Trossard, who has been a key player for Arsenal since his move from Brighton, suffered a knock during Belgium’s Nations League match against Israel. Although the injury was initially thought to be minor, his absence from training has added to the uncertainty surrounding his availability. Arteta is hopeful that Trossard will recover in time, but the situation remains fluid.

The potential absence of both Saka and Trossard would be a significant blow to Arsenal’s title challenge. Saka’s creativity and goal threat, combined with Trossard’s versatility and work rate, are crucial components of the team’s attacking lineup. Without them, Arteta will need to rely on other squad members to step up and fill the void.

The Gunners aren’t just at risk of missing Saka and Trossard for Saturday’s game as up to four more players could miss the game which would be a major blow for Arteta. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are confirmed out until December due to injuries. Riccardo Calafiori is doubtful after a knee injury against Shakhtar Donetsk, and Declan Rice also remains uncertain due to a minor toe injury that kept him from international duty.