Odegaard hint, forgotten star back - Things spotted in Arsenal training before Nottingham Forest

Arsenal were handed a boost ahead of the visit of Nottingham Forest this weekend with a long-term injury concern seen back in training. The Gunners will need all the resources they can get as they try to play catch up with Premier League leaders Liverpool, who attain a nine-point gap.

Arsenal will face an in-form Forest side, who have seen fewer players leave on international duty this week. It means many of their regulars have had a fortnight’s rest. Conversely, the exit of internationals meant only a sparse number of senior stars participated in Arsenal training earlier this week.

Several of them will only have a turnaround of a few days by the time they land back in London, while a number of injury concerns persist. Bukayo Saka apparently faces a race against time to be ready for Saturday while the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori is unclear.

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A score of academy youngsters were called up to train with the first-team members who have remained at the club over the break. A number of things were notable in the footage shared by club media.

Tierney back in training

One was the sight of Kieran Tierney back on the ball. The left-back has not been seen since suffering a hamstring with Scotland at Euro 2024 but seems to be edging back to fitness.

There has been transfer speculation surrounding the defender amid questions over where he sits in Mikel Arteta's plans. Tierney - who missed the whole of pre-season due to his setback - has not played for Arsenal since last year’s Community Shield final amid last season’s loan spell at Real Sociedad.

Sterling looking sharp

Raheem Sterling looked a live-wire in the pass-and-shoot session, scoring several goals and providing many acute assists. He is looking ready to be used if called upon. The winger has not played in the Premier League for more than a month.

The loanee was left on the bench against Liverpool and Newcastle United before being unable to play against parent club Chelsea due to Premier League loan rules. Sterling has yet to play at all in November but hopes his work in training will pay off ahead of matchday.

Odegaard not seen

In the video shared by Arsenal, captain Martin Odegaard was not seen taking part in the drill. The skipper has returned to competitive action but was not called up for Norway following a conversation between the national team and Arteta.

The 25-year-old lasted the full 90 minutes against Chelsea prior to the international break but has been given two weeks to rest. He was not permitted him to feature in the mini game in a hint the Gunners are managing him extra carefully. Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu were also not seen.