Arsenal handed huge boost as key player set to return for Nottingham Forest clash following injury lay-off: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly received a major boost ahead of their Premier League action against Nottingham Forest as defender Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return. The Gunners have had to deal with a series of injuries this season, with their summer addition from Bologna not spared.

Versatile Italy international Calafiori picked up a knee injury during his side's narrow UEFA Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22. The left-back has missed his side's last five games against Liverpool, Preston North End, Newcastle United, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, as a result.

As per now.arsenal on X, Riccardo Calafiori is expected to be available for manager Mikel Arteta when the Gunners host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 23. The 22-year-old has already played 10 times for Arsenal since arriving from Bologna in the summer. He scored a memorable goal in their 2-2 draw against Manchester City back in September.

Arsenal boss Arteta will be pleased with the news of Calafiori's imminent return to fitness, as his side are up against a Nottingham Forest side full of confidence. Forest defeated Liverpool and held Chelsea to a draw this season and sit level on points with the north London side. Hence, Arteta will be wary of this fact as his side looks to end a poor run of four league games without a win.

Calafiori's return to action will give Arteta the option of starting the Italian at left-back while having Jurrien Timber return to a right-back position. The fitness boost will also help to cushion the effects of the injury to right-back Ben White, who is expected to be out for over a month.

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Arsenal left sweating over fitness of star forward after injury on international duty

Arsenal have been left sweating over the fitness of forward Leandro Trossard after his injury in Belgium's 1-0 defeat to Israel on November 17. The versatile forward started the UEFA Nations League game against Israel but was withdrawn after just 37 minutes with what appeared to be a physical issue.

Leandro Trossard's injury comes in a month where the Gunners have already lost Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Ben White to various injuries. Manager Mikel Arteta will be unhappy with the situation, which is threatening to undermine his side's title ambitions.

The north London side find themselves in fourth place in the Premier League, nine points off the pace set by leaders Liverpool after 11 rounds of matches. With high-flying Nottingham Forest, who are level on points with the Gunners, to visit the Emirates next, they will hope to have their key players back fit.