Arsenal team news: Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest as Eze decision made…

Arsenal team update: Projected lineup against Nottingham Forest as Eze decision finalized.

Arsenal’s projected lineup against Nottingham Forest as the Gunners gear up for Premier League play.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will lament the absence of several players for Nottingham Forest’s visit to the Emirates. He is confronted with a somewhat unpredictable opponent, as Ange Postecoglou takes the helm for his inaugural match after succeeding Nuno Espirito Santo in the opposing technical area on Saturday afternoon.

William Saliba and Bukayo Saka have joined a treatment room already occupied by Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus prior to the international break, and Arteta will need to cope without these crucial players against Forest.

David Raya is anticipated to remain in goal, given the injuries affecting the defense in front of him, while summer acquisition Kepa Arrizabalaga will likely have to wait for the domestic cups to commence before making his debut for Arsenal.

Defense: Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori

Arteta’s most significant dilemma against Forest is determining which of his defensive options should fill in for Saliba, who is expected to be sidelined for as many as seven matches due to injury.

Several of Arsenal’s full-back-centre-back hybrids could step in, but Cristhian Mosquera took Saliba’s place when he exited the match injured against Liverpool, and Arteta’s commendation may grant him another opportunity.

Following another lengthy journey to South America, this would typically be a match to rest Gabriel, with deadline-day signing Piero Hincapie as a possible substitute. However, with Saliba out and the unpredictability of Forest, the remainder of the back four is likely to stay unchanged.

Midfield: Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice

Rice

Arteta has swiftly established his favored midfield trio, and with Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice all returning from international duty unscathed, they will be tasked with countering new England sensation Elliott Anderson as he seeks to impress Postecoglou.

Attack: Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze

With Saka sidelined for as long as a month, former Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has the opportunity to fill his role for both club and country.

Having made a strong impression while on international duty, Madueke is expected to return to his preferred position on the right flank.

Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze is vying for his first start and full debut after his £67.5m transfer from Crystal Palace.

He came on as a substitute against Liverpool, while Gabriel Martinelli struggled during his match against the out-of-position Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, Arteta might consider that a player like Eze could be essential from the outset against a Forest defense that, until this season, was regarded as one of the most solid in the Premier League.