Forest sweat on fitness of Gibbs-White, Milenković for Arsenal clash

Nottingham Forest are facing late fitness decisions on Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenković ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenković are doubts for the club’s Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday.

Gibbs-White sustained a minor muscle injury during Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend and missed team training throughout the week.

Glasner said the England international had completed an individual rehabilitation session and could return to full training on Saturday, after which the club would assess his fitness before deciding whether he could feature against Arsenal.

“Morgan Gibbs-White is doubtful. He couldn’t train the entire week with us, but it looks like he can join tomorrow’s session,” Glasner said, according to Nottingham Forest’s official website.

“He suffered a minor muscle injury at Palace, so we have to see how he reacts today and how he deals with tomorrow’s session. Then I will take the final decision.”

Gibbs-White’s possible absence would be a setback for Forest, given his importance to their attacking play. The midfielder has been among the Premier League’s leading chance creators this season.

Milenković is also being assessed after returning to training. The Serbian defender has been sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring issue and bone bruising.

Glasner said the defender could be included in the matchday squad, depending on how he responds to training.

“Milenković trained for the first time today, so we will see how he reacts. He could be in the matchday squad, but let’s see because he has been out for several weeks,” the manager said.

Forest will, however, be without Nicolò Savona and Igor Jesus, who remain unavailable because of injuries, according to the club.

The Reds host Arsenal at the City Ground on Sunday, October 18, as they seek to improve their early-season results.

Forest have collected five points from their opening six league matches and are looking to end a run of defeats after losing to Crystal Palace in their most recent outing.

Arsenal, meanwhile, travel to Nottingham aiming to maintain their strong start to the campaign. The Gunners have won their recent matches against Leeds United and Lille following the international break.

Forest will be hoping Gibbs-White and Milenković can recover in time, but their availability is expected to depend on their response to training and the club’s final assessment before kick-off.