Arteta on Forest, injuries and Timber ahead of City Ground trip

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media on Friday ahead of the Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, providing injury updates and assessing a side he described as "extremely well-coached."

Arteta said his squad had responded strongly in their previous two fixtures and warned that the City Ground would present a stern test. "It's going to be a really tough match," he said. "They're a team that at home can create a really special momentum, so we are ready for it."

On the injury front, Piero was said to be progressing well but likely to need "another week or two." Zubi looked "much better" ahead of a training session Saturday, after which Arteta said the club would assess his availability. William Saliba, whose absence prompted a discussion about the team photo, is due to have another MRI next week, with Arteta describing all signs so far as "very, very positive."

Jadon Timber drew particular praise from the Arsenal boss. "When he's physically at his best, he's an unbelievable player. A player that can really transform your way of attacking," Arteta said, adding that Timber had used his time out injured to "challenge himself in other areas."

Mase Lewis-Skelly's versatility was also highlighted after the young midfielder filled in at left-back following Piero's injury. Arteta called the performance "a big one" and noted Lewis-Skelly's capacity to operate "as a six, as an eight, as a full-back" as a "massive asset."

On striker Viktor Gyokeres, Arteta pushed back on suggestions of a confidence problem. "What he transmits is an incredible will and determination and work rate," the manager said, noting that narrow margins around chances were affecting the narrative around his striker.

Arteta also paid tribute to long-serving Arsenal figure Ken Friar. "If you had to embody someone to represent the soul and heart of this football club, that would be him," he said.

Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League with 18 points from seven games, while Forest are 19th with five points ahead of Friday's fixture.