Arsenal are gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on September 13, 2025, following the international break. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad is grappling with a mounting injury crisis that could significantly impact their preparations for the lunchtime kick-off at the Emirates Stadium. With several key players either ruled out or doubtful, the Gunners face uncertainty as they aim to bounce back from their recent 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. Here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injury concerns and their potential return dates.
William Saliba – Doubt
Arsenal’s defensive linchpin, William Saliba, has emerged as a major concern after limping off just five minutes into the Gunners’ loss at Anfield. The France international suffered an ankle sprain during the pre-game warm-up but attempted to play through the pain. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the injury, stating, “He twisted his ankle during the warm-up, and he came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play, but straight away in the first two actions, I could see that he couldn’t cope, and we had to get him out, unfortunately.” Saliba’s subsequent withdrawal from France’s World Cup qualifying squad for matches against Ukraine and Iceland underscores the severity of the issue. French outlet L’Equipe reports that Saliba could be sidelined for three to four weeks, casting doubt over his availability for the Nottingham Forest clash. In a best-case scenario, he might return for the game, but a more serious sprain could keep him out until October.
Bukayo Saka – Out
Star winger Bukayo Saka is another significant absentee, having sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United. The injury, which occurred in his left leg, is less severe than the right hamstring issue that sidelined him for three-and-a-half months last season. Arteta provided an update, saying, “Bukayo is doing better, but he will be out for a few weeks, unfortunately. No surgery, it’s not as bad as the previous one.” The Gunners boss noted that the injury stemmed from an action requiring “full power” and a change of direction, highlighting Saka’s importance as a dynamic, pace-driven attacker. While there’s optimism that the international break could aid his recovery, Saka is expected to miss the Nottingham Forest game, with a potential return by late September 2025.
Kai Havertz – Out
Forward Kai Havertz will also be unavailable for the upcoming match after undergoing surgery to address a knee injury sustained during Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United. Arteta confirmed that Havertz’s absence will extend into late November, stating, “Obviously, we lose another big player for many, many weeks, but it was the right thing to do. The most important thing is – when he gets back – he is in good condition.” The decision to opt for surgery was made to ensure Havertz’s long-term fitness, but his absence leaves a gap in Arsenal’s attacking options for the Forest clash.
Gabriel Jesus – Out
Gabriel Jesus continues to work his way back from a serious knee injury suffered in January 2025. The Brazilian striker, who has been sidelined for much of the year, is not expected to return until November or December. His absence further depletes Arsenal’s forward line, forcing Arteta to rely on alternatives like Viktor Gyokeres, who impressed with a brace against Leeds. While Jesus’s recovery is progressing, he remains a long-term absentee and will miss the Nottingham Forest game.
Players Nearing Return
There is some positive news for Arsenal fans, with three players potentially available for the clash against Nottingham Forest:
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Martin Odegaard – Fit: The Arsenal captain suffered a shoulder injury during the Leeds win but was fit enough to be named on the bench against Liverpool. Arteta indicated that Odegaard is doing “everything he can” to be available, and barring any setbacks, he should be back to full fitness for the Forest game. His return will provide a significant boost to Arsenal’s midfield creativity.
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Ben White – Fit: Defender Ben White missed the last two matches due to an unspecified knock but is expected to return after the international break. Arteta noted before the Liverpool game that White had a chance to be involved, and the additional recovery time should ensure his availability against Forest.
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Christian Norgaard – Fit: The summer signing, yet to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal, has been sidelined for the opening three matches due to injury. However, Arteta suggested that Norgaard, like White, could be in contention for the Liverpool game, and his recovery is on track for the Forest clash. His potential return adds depth to Arsenal’s midfield.
Nottingham Forest’s Injury Concerns
On the other side, Nottingham Forest are also dealing with injury issues. Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez is ruled out for the Arsenal clash after undergoing surgery for a serious knee injury sustained in May. Forest will look to bounce back from a surprising home defeat to West Ham, but their task at the Emirates will be daunting without key players.
Arteta’s Challenge
Mikel Arteta faces a delicate balancing act as Arsenal navigate this early-season injury crisis. The loss of key players like Saliba, Saka, Havertz, and Jesus could disrupt the Gunners’ momentum, especially after their strong start with wins over Manchester United and Leeds. However, the emergence of summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, who impressed with four tackles and a 92% passing accuracy in his Premier League debut at Anfield, offers hope. Additionally, the loan arrival of Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié bolsters Arsenal’s defensive options.
With the international break providing valuable recovery time, Arteta will be hoping to have Odegaard, White, and Norgaard available to face Nottingham Forest. However, the potential absence of Saliba, Saka, Havertz, and Jesus throws the match into uncertainty, making squad management critical. Arsenal fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates as the Gunners aim to maintain their title challenge against a tricky Forest side.