Calafiori starts for Arsenal vs Forest, midfielder drops to the bench

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori starts in today's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are already nine points behind Liverpool for the top spot and the upcoming game against Forest is a must-win to stay in the title race.

Ahead of the game, there are five changes from the previous 1-1 draw against London rivals Chelsea before the international break.

With Ben White undergoing surgery, Jurrien Timber has moved into the right-back role. Calafiori has been reinstated at left-back after injury.

Declan Rice has been nursing a broken toe over the past few weeks and he is only on the bench. Mikel Merino partners Jorginho in the centre of the park.

In the final third, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard get the nod ahead of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal are winless in the last four league games and they must respond with a victory against Forest to keep themselves in the title hunt.

There is no margin for error after the wretched run before the last international break and they need to build a huge winning streak.