Arsenal have been boosted by Ethan Nwaneri being fit to face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night. Nwaneri was forced off during Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham on Saturday with nine minutes to go. Mikel Arteta explained after the match that was due to “fatigue” and he has confirmed Nwaneri is fit to face Forest.
“Ethan, he was just cramping [against West Ham]. Obviously, his loads have been very different in recent weeks, but he is fine,” said Arteta on Tuesday morning. “Bukayo [Saka] and Gabi [Martinelli], they are progressing really well but they are still a bit far to come back.”.
Arsenal will be without Myles Lewis-Skelly for the trip to Forest as he is suspended after being sent off during the defeat to West Ham. Riccardo Calafiori could start at left-back or Arteta may move Jurrien Timber there and start Ben White at right-back.
White made his first appearance at the weekend after being out since November following knee surgery. Arsenal have limited options in attack due to injuries, so Arteta could be forced to start Mikel Merino as a striker again. Nwaneri should keep his place on the right flank, while Leandro Trossard can operate out left.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard. Injured: Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Martinelli (hamstring), Saka (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee). Suspended: Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Kacurri, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Butler-Oyedeji, Sterling and Trossard.
