Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that star winger Bukayo Saka was left out of the starting lineup against Nottingham Forest due to a minor fitness concern, casting a shadow over the squad's mounting injury list.
Arteta's Saka Admission After Forest Stalemate
The Gunners were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at The City Ground on Saturday, a match in which Saka began on the substitutes' bench. Arteta later explained the decision, stating the 24-year-old England international had been carrying "a niggle before the game" alongside a heavy recent workload.
Saka, who has been a pivotal figure this season with 13 goal contributions in 29 appearances, was introduced in the 57th minute. He proceeded to create Arsenal's clearest chance, a powerful header that was well saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
"We need to manage our players," Arteta said. "He had a lot of minutes and as well, he had a niggle before the game. We have some fantastic players that can provide different things."
Arsenal's Growing Treatment Room
Saka's issue adds to a concerning list of absentees for Arteta as Arsenal prepare for a crucial period, including Champions League action against Inter Milan.
Bukayo Saka's exact injury location remains unspecified, but he is expected to be managed carefully. Despite the niggle, he looked sharp off the bench. Expected return date: Likely to feature vs Inter on January 20.
Piero Hincapie has been sidelined since injuring his groin in the draw with Liverpool on January 8. The Ecuadorian defender has missed the last three matches. Potential return date: January 25 (vs Manchester United).
Riccardo Calafiori has not played since December after suffering a muscle injury in the warm-up before the Brighton match. Initial hopes for a return against Chelsea and Forest were dashed. Potential return date: Early February.
Max Dowman is also facing a spell out after sustaining an ankle injury for the Under-21s in early December. His timeline is similar to Calafiori's. Expected return date: Early February.
Arteta's Selection Headache
The accumulation of injuries presents a significant challenge for Arteta, who must now balance his squad's fitness across multiple competitions. The manager emphasised his attempts to win the game at Forest, stating, "We tried in every way and it wasn't enough, unfortunately."
With key defenders Hincapie and Calafiori still weeks away, and Saka requiring careful management, Arsenal's depth will be tested. All eyes will be on the team sheet for the Champions League clash to see how Arteta navigates this latest fitness crisis.
