Arsenal will be forced into a major restructuring with Ben White injured and doubts over two star players

By premiernews On Nov 20, 2024

Mikel Arteta is desperate for Arsenal to win again but knows that if they fail to beat Nottingham Forest they will be out of the title race.

With just 11 games left in the Premier League season, the gunnerswho have been plagued by injury problems, are nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Things have not gone to plan for Arteta this season in Arsenal's title challengeCredit: Getty

The north London team failed to win any of their four top-flight games after the October international break, losing twice and drawing as many games.

Points were shared against Liverpool and Chelsea, while they suffered defeats on the road to Bournemouth and Newcastle.

And the tough run of fixtures continues for Arsenal after the November break, with the Emirates hosting some high-flying matches. Forest on Saturday.

Nuno Holy Spirit's team have been the surprise this season, with the Reds fifth in the table, only behind Arsenal on goal difference.

And unfortunately for artetaHe will once again be left without a full team after suffering a double injury.

Star right back Ben White out until 2025 after undergoing surgery for a long-standing knee problem.

He 27 yearswho has featured in nine of 11 league games this season, faces 12 weeks on the sidelines, forcing Arteta to change his defensive line.

Meanwhile, versatile Belgian international Leandro Trossard added to Arteta's headache last weekend after get hurt in his country's defeat in the Nations League against Israel.

It is unknown what the scope of the 29 years'The problem is after his departure from the Bozsik Arena and whether he will be available to face Forest.

And there are also question marks surrounding the suitability of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice after the pair retired from England duty, with Arteta claiming their situation is 'not good'.

Arteta is about to be without versatile defender White for around three monthsCredit: Getty

Saka limped off in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea before the November breakCredit: Getty

Rice also soared at Stamford Bridge, before he and Saka left England duty. — Rice also shot himself at Stamford Bridge, before he and Saka left England duty.Credit: Getty

Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how Arsenal could line up against Forest with Arteta facing a bid for his team selection.

The goalkeeper will be the starter between the sticks. David Rayáwho has been one of Arsenal's most outstanding players this season.

In White's absence, Jurrien Timber could move from left back to the opposite side of the defense.

And this could make Arteta decide to bet Ricardo Calafiori The Italian is believed to be close to full fitness.

The summer signing has fit perfectly into Arsenal's system since arriving from Bologna, making six league appearances.

However, a knock to his knee has caused him to miss the club's last five games in all competitions, but Arteta will be keen to get Calafiori into the starting XI to combat Forest's speedy right winger Anthony Elanga.

Calafiori injured his knee in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk in October

Arsenal cannot afford to lose points against Forest after four consecutive games without winning

Advancing towards the heart of the defense, and William Saliba He will surely be paired again with his preferred central partner, Gabriel Magalhaes.

As for who starts in midfield, Arteta has a big decision to make on whether he will name or not. Rice on your team.

And if you run the risk of starting the former West Ham captain, where does he play?

Many Gooners have asked Rice to start earlier Thomas Partey in the sole defensive midfield role, allowing Mikel Merino to appear as a box-to-box midfielder following his impressive cameo at Stamford Bridge.

However, Partey has taken a step forward this season, with reports indicating that his form has left Arsenal bosses open to handing the Ghanaian a new short-term contract.

While Merino will almost certainly get a starting opportunity in the near future, Arteta may opt for Partey against Forest, with Rice again at number 8.

Rice has established himself as a vital player for Arsenal since his club record transfer from West Ham.

Simon Jordan and Martin Keown clash over Arsenal defender Ben White's possible return to England

And fresh off his long-awaited return against Chelsea, captain Martin Odegaard He could play alongside Rice opposite Partey.

The Norway international sat out the recent break to stay fresh for his first outing for the Emirates since August 31.

Like Rice and Calafiori, Arteta could try to start Saka on the right wing, despite fears he is not yet 100 per cent.

The Three Lions striker has been in imperious form for Arsenal this season, with no Premier League player having managed more than his seven assists so far.

After Trossard's early departure against Israel, Gabriel Martinelli he will probably be preferred again on the left flank.

And leading the line once again will be the top scorer. Kai HavertzHe is coming off a dazzling performance for Germany against Bosnia and Herzegovnia, where he contributed a goal and two assists in a 7-0 win.

This is how Arsenal could start against Forest at the Emirates on Sunday

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