Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has claimed that he is eager to return for the Gunners this afternoon, ahead of their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. Calafiori missed the last three Premier League games before the international break due to a knee injury, but Mikel Arteta revealed in his news conference that the Italian will be ready to return today. It would be a timely return for the left-back, who has had a rough start to life in North London, with a pair of injuries derailing his progress. Fortunately, those issues appear to be behind him for the time being, as the defender is ready to make his Emirates Stadium debut. Calafiori posted a photo of himself on his Instagram story on Friday night.

This afternoon’s encounter gives a major opportunity for Arsenal to re-establish their position in the title chase. Prior to kick-off on Matchday 12, Arteta’s men were nine points behind leaders Liverpool and only in the top four due to a one-goal advantage over today’s visitors Forest. Victory will narrow the gap to six points for at least 24 hours, given the Merseyside team does not play until tomorrow.