Why Declan Rice isn't in the Arsenal starting XI vs Nottingham Forest amid Mikel Arteta decision

Declan Rice has been left out of the Arsenal starting XI for their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.

The 25-year-old was a doubt heading into this match after missing England duty over the international break with a foot problem. Mikel Arteta had hinted before the game though, that both Rice and Bukayo Saka - who also stayed at home instead of travelling with England - should be available for Saturday's clash at Emirates Stadium.

"Bukayo and Declan as well, they had the first partial session today," he said in his pre-match press conference. "So, very good news as well."

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Saka has been passed fit to play against Forest, but Rice is only fit enough to make the bench. The club record-signing has been replaced in the starting XI by Mikel Merino.

Arsenal are understood to be being cautious with Rice ahead of a hectic run of fixtures up until the Christmas period. The Gunners travel to Lisbon to play Sporting CP on Tuesday before facing West Ham at the London Stadium next weekend.

Elsewhere in the starting XI for Forest, Riccardo Calafiori makes his first start in over a month after recovering from a knee injury. He replaces Ben White who is out for "months" with a knee injury, while Jurrien Timber switches over to right back.

Martin Odegaard is also fit to start after missing out on international duty with Norway. He captains Arsenal for the first time at the Emirates since August.

Arsenal starting XI vs Nottingham Forest - Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Jorginho, Odegaard, Merino; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.