Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo’s major boost as arsenal are handicapped

Published

8 months ago

January 12, 2024

Arsenal have been handed a big injury boost ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground later this month.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have a blank weekend coming up as they take their winter break. They will then return to action with a third round FA Cup replay against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road next Wednesday before focus shifts back to the Premier League.

The Reds will travel to Brentford a week on Saturday (January 20) and will then see out January by hosting the Gunners on Tuesday, January 30.

According to the Netsport.uk, Arsenal have pencilled in that midweek match as a potential return date for Thomas Partey. The midfielder has been sidelined with a thigh issue since October but is said to be gearing up for his comeback.

The 30-year-old missed the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins this weekend. The Mirror report Ghana, who are managed by former Forest boss Chris Hughton, “would not attempt to block” Partey playing for his club while the tournament is taking place as they have “good relations”.

The matches with Brentford and Arsenal are the only two league games the Reds will play this month. They are 15th in the Premier League, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Nuno has made a fine start towards turning Forest’s fortunes around in the top-flight. A Willy Boly red card proved costly in his first game in charge as Bournemouth triumphed 3-2 at the City Ground. However, the Portuguese oversaw back-to-back wins during the festive period as Newcastle United and Manchester United were toppled.

The Reds will go into their forthcoming fixtures missing six players who are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare, Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate and Ola Aina will represent their countries at the tournament.

Felipe and Taiwo Awoniyi remain sidelined due to injury, although the latter is making good progress in his recovery. Divock Origi and Anthony Elanga could be injury doubts for next week’s fixtures having missed the 2-2 draw with the Seasiders.