Nottingham Forest gifted possible injury boost as pre-Arsenal team news confirmed

Nottingham Forest face one of their toughest tests of the season when Premier League champions Arsenal visit the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

Oliver Glasner’s side return home needing a response after consecutive league defeats.

REUTERS/Tony O Brien

Forest were beaten 1-0 by Coventry City before the international break and then lost 3-1 at Crystal Palace last weekend. Dan Ndoye gave them an early lead, but missed chances allowed Palace to take control.

The final score didn’t tell the full story, and Forest created enough opportunities to make the contest closer, only to be punished for failing to finish their best openings.

That wastefulness cannot continue against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won five of their six Premier League matches and responded strongly to their shock defeat at Brighton with a 2-1 victory over Leeds and Tuesday’s Champions League success against Lille.

Arsenal took time to break Lille down, but three second half goals showed how quickly they can punish a tiring defence.

Forest can take encouragement from Arsenal’s recent visits to the City Ground, with the last two Premier League meetings in Nottingham finished goalless, with the hosts frustrating the Gunners through organisation and discipline.

Glasner will need a similar defensive effort on Sunday, making the latest update on Nikola Milenkovic particularly welcome.

Nottingham Forest handed Nikola Milenkovic boost before Arsenal clash

The Serbian centre back has returned to training after spending several weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem and bone bruising.

That does not mean Milenkovic is certain to start, and Forest must assess how his body responds, while his lack of recent match action must also be considered.

Even a place among the substitutes would represent a significant step forward.

Milenkovic offers strength, assurance, aerial power and experience at the heart of Glasner’s backline, and his ability to organise those around him could be valuable against an Arsenal attack capable of moving defenders out of position and striking with little warning.

He would also give Forest another threat from corners and free kicks, areas which may provide their best route to goal against the champions.

There are other fitness concerns for Glasner to manage.

Morgan Gibbs-White is doubtful after suffering a minor muscle injury during the defeat at Palace. He trained separately on Friday and was due to be assessed after attempting to rejoin the group.

Nicolo Savona and Igor Jesus have already been ruled out, leaving Forest without two more useful options.

REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes

Arsenal have problems of their own.

Piero Hincapie remains unavailable after being injured during a warm down following the Leeds game, although Martin Zubimendi could return after making better progress with his recovery.

Glasner must decide whether Milenkovic is ready for immediate involvement or whether protecting him for future fixtures is the wiser call.

Forest cannot afford another setback with one of their most important defenders. However, the chance to have him back in the squad should lift a team looking for confidence.