Arsenal Get Triple Fitness Boost Ahead Of Forest Game
Retold by Oddsrama · 16 October 2026
Mikel Arteta has delivered some positive team news ahead of Arsenal's trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with three players edging closer to a return. Piero Hincapié, Martin Zubimendi, and Christos Tzolis are all progressing through their respective recoveries, though only one looks genuinely ready for the weekend clash. Hincapié and Zubimendi both picked up ankle knocks during a training session following Arsenal's 2-1 win over Leeds last Saturday, while Tzolis has been sidelined with a muscle issue since the international break.
The Ecuador international Hincapié is tracking well but faces a race against time for Sunday. Arteta suggested another one or two weeks might be needed before he's fully match-fit, meaning Forest will likely come too soon. Zubimendi's situation looks more promising—the Spanish midfielder responded positively to early treatment, and Arteta hinted he could feature at The City Ground after missing the midweek Champions League demolition of Lille. Greece winger Tzolis, meanwhile, has undergone an MRI scan with encouraging results, though he's probably a few weeks away from action.
William Saliba remains the biggest absence, having missed the entire season with a back issue aggravated during international duty. Arsenal expect him back in November, with another scan scheduled next week to assess his progress. The defenders' injury troubles add defensive uncertainty going into a crucial fixture, though Arsenal's attacking form—five wins from six league games—keeps them firmly in the title picture. With City firmly in the reckoning, squad depth will be tested, and punters should watch how Arteta adapts his shape without these key players available.
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