Arsenal players not in the best condition according to Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Arsenal are still struggling to get key players back fit ahead of their match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Captain Martin Odegaard made his first start since August in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea ahead of the international break after picking up an injury against Norway in September, but his side have struggled elsewhere.

Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were substituted with injuries in the second half of that match and subsequently withdrew from the England squad.

“We are still missing a lot and some of the boys are not in the best condition,” Arteta told BBC Sport.

“That's all we're asking for: that they are fit, available and in the physical condition to play at this level. We haven't had that yet.”

“It was patch, after patch, after patch. A lot of players started off and weren't able to finish games, so I'm praying for that.”

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Nuno Espirito Santo insists his side will learn lessons from last season's 3-1 defeat to Newcastle this weekend.

“When you lose and win, there is always a lesson to be learned. We have an important lesson to learn: we have been punished like we have punished other teams,” he said.

Despite the loss, Nottingham Forest is still in fifth place in the Premier League after eleven games, level with Arsenal. Nuno himself was also named Manager of the Month for September.

“Even though we lost the game, everyone at Forest should be proud of the players and the way we worked together. OK, let's go again,” he said.

“I'm just proud of the way we worked as a team from day one.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Bukayo Saka

No player has provided more assists in the Premier League than Saka (seven), with Mohamed Salah one behind.

The winger also scored three goals for the Gunners and is one goal behind Kai Havertz as the club's top scorer.

Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood

Wood is tied for second in the Premier League scoring charts alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Salah with eight goals.

The 32-year-old has opened the scoring six times in the league this season, while having the best conversion rate (38.1%) of any player who has played more than ten games.

MATCH PREDICTION: ARSENAL WINS

Arsenal currently sit in fourth place, one position above their weekend opponents Nottingham Forest.

They are unbeaten in eight home games in all competitions (W6 D2) this season, including in their five home games in the league (W3 D2).

The Gunners have won six of their last seven Premier League games against Nottingham Forest, including back-to-back wins last season.

The visitors came into this after a 3-1 defeat at home to Newcastle last season, ending a four-match unbeaten run.

OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING

Arsenal – 67.1%

Draw – 18.8%

Nottingham Forest – 14.1%