Arsenal’s best possible lineup against Nottingham Forest in 4-3-3 formation as Mikel Arteta gives fitness update on Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes- Trossard dropped
Arsenal’s best possible lineup against Nottingham Forest in 4-3-3 formation as Mikel Arteta gives fitness update on Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal fans are anxiously awaiting updates on the fitness of Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Both men were unable to complete the full 90 in last Saturday’s 5-0 crushing of Crystal Palace, as Rice succumbed to thigh tightness while Gabriel took a whack to his ankle.
Mikel Arteta played down their substitutions as precautionary, though, and a 10-day break in between matches will benefit their chances of an immediate comeback in Nottinghamshire.
The Gunners have also seen Thomas Partey return to full training after three months out with a thigh injury, although the Ghana midfielder will only be on the bench at best, while Jurrien Timber (ACL) and Fabio Vieira (groin) are still absent alongside international representatives Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Jakub Kiwior will step into Gabriel’s shoes if the Brazilian does not make the cut this week, but the former Lille man could be given the green light to resume his effective partnership with William Saliba in front of David Raya.
Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are currently untouchable in the full-back positions, while Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz should continue in the engine room, unless Arteta springs a massive surprise by introducing Partey back into the XI.
Jorginho would be a more likely candidate to deputise for Rice, but Arsenal’s record signing is believed to be in with a strong chance of being passed fit, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are shoo-ins in attack.
Leandro Trossard justified his selection against Palace with an emphatic finish, but Gabriel Martinelli soon stole the limelight with a brace off the bench and should now return to the XI over his Belgian counterpart.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
