Nuno provides Nottingham Forest injury news latest ahead of Arsenal clash

Nottingham Forest is “managing some situations,” according to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, as they get ready for their matchup with Arsenal this weekend.

The Reds will visit the Emirates on Saturday (3pm kickoff) to celebrate their return from the international break. Nuno’s team currently sits fifth in the standings, tied with their next opponents on points but behind them on goal differential.

Before naming his match squad to take on the Gunners, the Portuguese suggested that some last-minute fitness checks might be necessary. However, full-back Ola Aina is understood to have the green light to play despite suggestions he had picked up a knock while on duty with Nigeria.

Long-term absentees Danilo (broken ankle) and Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring) remain sidelined, although are making progress in their recoveries. Winger Ramon Sosa will be late linking up with his teammates due to his involvement with Paraguay.

“Those two are definitely out and cannot be involved,” Nuno said of midfielders Danilo and Sangare. “We have some other situations to manage and decide.

“We still have Sosa to arrive, because he plays later. The rest of them are here – and, for now, OK.

“We are only handling a few players and a few circumstances. As previously said, we used this international break as an opportunity to get several players back to full fitness. Let’s watch to see whether they get better.

Following his nation’s 1-1 draw with the Benin Republic last Thursday, Aina made his way back to the UK. Physiotherapists from the national team reportedly attended to him after he was substituted in the 83rd minute.

According to reports from Nigeria, his fitness was questioned. But if qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations was guaranteed, as it was with last week’s point, Forest and the head coach of the national side had an agreement in place that would permit the full-back to leave camp early.