Bukayo Saka is back in Arsenal's starting lineup for today's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. The England winger was initially named among the substitutes for the midweek Champions League victory over Lille, but came on in the second half and registered a goal and an assist within six minutes.
Saka overcomes illness to start at City Ground
Mikel Arteta revealed after the Lille match that Saka had been dealing with a minor illness issue, but he starts against Forest in the Premier League. Forward Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard also return to the Gunners' starting lineup at the City Ground.
Riccardo Calafiori starts in the Midlands, having been given a full rest against Lille on Tuesday. Bruno Guimaraes is in midfield with Declan Rice, while Eberechi Eze gets a rare start on the left.
Confirmed Arsenal lineup and team news
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz
Subs: Meslier, Mosquera, Timber, Gyokeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman
Injured: Saliba, Hincapie, Tzolis
Time and date: 4:30pm BST on Sunday October 18, 2026
Venue: City Ground
How to watch: Sky Sports
