Arteta expects Zubimendi back for Forest, Hincapie out

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a cautious injury update ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, with Martin Zubimendi in line to return but Piero Hincapie likely to miss out.

Both midfielders picked up ankle injuries in training at the Emirates Stadium following Arsenal's win against Leeds United last week and were absent for the midweek victory over Lille.

"Piero is evolving really well. Knowing his character and the way he pushes everybody, I'm sure it's not going to take long, but he will probably need another week or two," Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.

On Zubimendi, the Arsenal head coach was more optimistic. "Zubi looks much better, he already looked much better today. We have another session tomorrow, and after that we will assess whether he's available to play against Forest."

Winger Christos Tzolis is also sidelined after picking up a muscular injury on international duty with Greece during the recent break. Arteta said another MRI scan had shown the injury was progressing well and that a return within weeks was expected.

"He's doing really well. Yesterday he had another MRI scan to see how the injury is evolving. It's progressing really well, so he's another one who hopefully we can have back in a few weeks," Arteta said.

Centre-back William Saliba remains out as he continues to recover from a back injury sustained during France's World Cup campaign. The defender missed Arsenal's squad photo this week due to a medical appointment, though Arteta was relaxed about his recovery.

"I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment, but every sign so far has been very, very positive," Arteta added. "It will be great to have him."

Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table with 18 points from seven games ahead of the trip to the City Ground.