Arsenal: Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka trained on Friday (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka trained on Friday (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have played roles in training ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return to the squad.

Rice and Saka both withdrew from the England squad last week ahead of their Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland due to injury.

Saka was injured during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea on November 10 and had to be substituted 10 minutes from time.

Rice exited in the same game with just under 20 minutes left and he entered the game dealing with a broken toe.

The midfielder missed Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan four days before their draw at Chelsea due to injury.

Arsenal are back in action this weekend, when they host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium, and they need a win after falling nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

And asking about Rice and Saka, Arteta said on Friday: “Bukayo and Declan as well, they had the first part-session today. So, very good too.

The Arsenal boss also confirmed Calafiori will be in the Gunners squad to face Forest after his own injury problems.

“Riccy trained today,” Arteta said. “His rehabilitation went very well. He was able to do some things last week with the physios. He trained on the pitch this week, he trained with us today too. He will be on the team.

The Gunners are also expected to have Leandro Trossard in their squad. The striker was forced out of action for Belgium earlier this week, but has made a good recovery.

“Trossard seems to be doing well,” Arteta said. “He trained this morning and he seems to be feeling good. We will evaluate everything with the doctor right away. But it’s good.

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