According to a report by London Evening Standard on Sunday October 18, 2026, Arsenal have welcomed Bukayo Saka back into their starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, while Mikel Arteta has made several changes following Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Lille.

Saka started on the bench against Lille but made an immediate impact after entering the second half, registering a goal and an assist within six minutes. Arteta revealed he had suffered a minor illness.

Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard also return to Arsenal’s starting eleven, strengthening their attacking options. Riccardo Calafiori starts after being rested against Lille, while Bruno Guimaraes partners Declan Rice in midfield.

Eberechi Eze receives a rare starting opportunity on the left flank as Arsenal prepare for another important Premier League fixture. Arteta will hope his selection delivers another positive performance at the City Ground.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz.

Substitutes: Meslier, Mosquera, Timber, Gyokeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly and Dowman.