Arsenal confirm defender return ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Arsenal have confirmed that defender Rob Holding could make his first appearance of the season when the Gunners host Nottingham Forest in tomorrow's League Cup third round tie.

The 24-year-old recovered from a serious knee injury at the beginning of last month but he has since been stepping up with his fitness with a few games for the Under 23s.

Ahead of the Forest clash, the Gunners have confirmed that the defender is 'available for selection' though the final decision over his involvement is expected to be taken by manager Unai Emery.

Shkodran Mustafi appears certain to return to the starting mix for the Cup tie and the German could be paired alongside Holding at the heart of the defence with David Luiz and Sokratis rested.

Elsewhere, there could be starts for the likes of Mesut Ozil, Calum Chambers, Lucas Torreira and Joe Willock, but the focus should be on the former of those players.

Ozil has played no part in the last two games for the club across all competitions and anything less than a start against Forest would surely come as a shock.