Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on September 13, 2025, amid an early-season injury crisis that could potentially bench off up to eight players. Mikel Arteta’s squad, undefeated and unstoppable but tested, prepares with confined training numbers due to international duties and adversity. This Arsenal injury update explores the absences, impacts, and potential line-ups.
Defensive Concerns: Saliba and White Out
William Saliba twisted his ankle in the preliminaries against Liverpool, now likely be absent for 2-3 weeks, per football.london’s report. Cristhian Mosquera steps in next to Gabriel Magalhaes. Ben White, recuperating from a knock since the Manchester United opener, create some progress but may not kickoff, with Jurrien Timber covering right-back. This seems parallel to Arsenal’s early-season injury grapple, testing depth.
Attacking and Midfield Blows
Bukayo Saka’s hamstring issue from the Leeds match could rule him out, with Noni Madueke deputizing. Kai Havertz (knee) and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) remain long-term absentees, targeting returns later this year. Martin Odegaard’s shoulder problem adds midfield worry, while Christian Norgaard awaits his debut due to a minor issue. Signed in the midst of Arteta’s 5-year rebuild, these absences strain rotations.
Positive Notes and Adjustments
Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman amazed and thrilled in cameos, offering the youth options. Arteta noted, “Injuries are part of it, but our depth helps,” per reports. Nottingham Forest also miss Nicolas Dominguez (meniscus) and Ola Aina (hamstring), equalizing and balancing the field somewhat, as in Arsenal’s crisis ahead of Forest.
Tactical Implications
Arteta’s 4-3-3 may shift to defend or safeguard the backline, with Declan Rice anchoring midfield. Viktor Gyokeres leads the attack, supported by Leandro Trossard.
Fans similarly have also expressed their concern, with some noting that, injuries seem too often arduously hit early.
Match Outlook
Arsenal target and aim for a win to sustain and keep up with the momentum before Manchester City. Depth from summer signings like Eberechi Eze could prove crucial for the club.
Author’s Note
This Arsenal injury update may shake up the Gunners fans, with several key players like Saliba and Saka out. Supporters can be grateful for the active depth, though—it remains to be seen how they perform against Nottingham Forest with competing players.
