Latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Nottingham Forest with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka concern

The first international break is upon us, with members of the Arsenal squad flying off across the world to represent their nations. That often comes with a bit of trepidation for managers looking on.

Mikel Arteta will be keeping his fingers crossed that all of his international players come back with a clean bill of health. The squad can then step up preparations for next weekend’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal go into that game looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool in their last outing. It means that the Gunners have six points from the opening nine available.

For those members of the squad not on international duty, the weekend without a game means that extra time is there to nurse any bumps and bruises that they may have picked up in the first few weeks of the season.

One big injury concern for Arsenal and Arteta over the international break is defender William Saliba. He was forced off the field after just a few minutes of the game against Arsenal and subsequently pulled out of the France squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland due to a sprained ankle. His current return date is unknown, with recovery from the injury depending on the severity; it does, however, mean that he will be a major doubt for the game against Forest.

There are three players who will definitely miss the game. Bukayo Saka is expected to return next month after suffering a hamstring injury in the win over Leeds United.

"Bukayo is doing better, but he will be out for a few weeks,” Arteta said when asked about the forward.

"No surgery. It's not as bad as the previous one, so very unfortunate. It was an action that required full power from him, had to change direction and he felt something."

Forward Kai Havertz will also miss the game after undergoing surgery on an issue suffered in the opening day win against Manchester United. The problem is not expected to keep him out for a significant period of time, but the player won’t be rushed back to action.

The third player who will miss the game against Forest is striker Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian is continuing to step up his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered back in January but won’t yet be ready to return to first-team action.

Arteta has concerns over two other players over the international break. Summer signing Christian Norgaard is yet to make his debut for the club after missing the first three games due to injury.

Defender Ben White is another who could make his return against Forest. The 27-year-old has missed the last two games with a knock after starting against Man United on the opening day of the season.

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