Manager Mikel Arteta has provided an encouraging fitness update ahead of Arsenal's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, revealing that Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, and Christos Tzolis are all making positive progress toward returns.

Hincapie picked up an ankle injury during a training session following Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Leeds United last Saturday. The Ecuadorian defender was helped off the pitch by goalkeeper Illan Meslier and was unavailable for the 3-0 Champions League win against Lille on Tuesday.

Arteta confirmed the injury is not a serious long-term concern, though Hincapie is expected to miss the Forest fixture. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: "Piero is evolving really well as well, knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, it's not going to take long I don't think, probably another week or two."

Zubimendi sustained an ankle knock in the same training session but is reportedly in a much better condition. Arteta hinted the Spain midfielder could be available for Sunday's match at The City Ground after missing the Lille encounter. "Zubi is doing much better, we have another session tomorrow, let's see how he evolves," the Arsenal manager added.

Tzolis has been absent from Arsenal's squad since before the international break, missing the last two fixtures with a muscle problem. Arteta expressed confidence the Greece international will feature again soon, saying: "Doing really well, had an MRI scan yesterday and he's progressing really well, another one we can hopefully have back in a few weeks."

Saliba update and photo absence

William Saliba remains the most significant absentee, yet to play a single minute this season after aggravating a back problem during France's World Cup campaign. Arteta confirmed a further scan is imminent: "Next week we have another MRI next week to see how he's progressing." The defender is currently targeting a return in November.

Arteta was also asked to explain Saliba's absence from the club's official 2026/27 team photograph, a detail that drew attention from supporters online. Arsenal confirmed the defender missed the shoot due to a medical appointment. "We've tried to do the picture three times already, we have some commercial obligations so we had to do that picture, we will have another picture with the whole family one day," Arteta said.

Arsenal head to Nottingham Forest on Sunday aiming to maintain pressure at the summit of the Premier League, having claimed five wins from their six top-flight matches so far this season.