Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice played some part in training ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while Riccardo Calafiori is set to return to the squad.
Rice and Saka both pulled out of the England squad last week ahead of their Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland due to injury.
Saka picked up a knock during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea on November 10 and had to be substituted with 10 minutes to go.
Rice came off in the same game with just under 20 minutes left to play and he went into the match struggling with a broken toe.
The midfielder missed Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan four days before their draw at Chelsea due to the injury.
Arsenal are back in action this weekend, when they host Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium, and they are in need of a win after falling nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
And asked for an update on Rice and Saka, Arteta said on Friday: “Bukayo and Declan as well, they had the first partial session today. So, very good as well.”
The Arsenal boss also confirmed that Calafiori will be in the squad for the Gunners to face Forest after his own injury issues.
“Riccy trained today,” said Arteta. “His rehab has gone really well. He was able to do certain things last week with the physios. He trained on the pitch this week, he trained with us today as well. He will be in the squad.”
The Gunners should also have Leandro Trossard in their squad, too. The forward was forced off playing for Belgium earlier this week, but he has recovered well.
“Trossard seems to be okay,” said Arteta. “He trained this morning and he seems to be feeling good. We will assess everything with the doctor right now. But that’s good.”
