Mathieu Debuchy could return for Arsenal's clash against Nottingham Forest

Mathieu Debuchy could make a return to the Arsenal first-team for their clash against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on Tuesday (20 september). The defender, who featured in the Gunners' pre-season games in the summer, is yet to make an appearance this campaign owing to an injury.

The French defender was pictured training with the rest of the first-team squad ahead of their visit to City Ground after returning from injury. Arsene Wenger is likely to make a number of changes to the squad, especially with Arsenal facing Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday (24 September).

First-team regulars are likely to be given a breather ahead of the crucial clash against the Blues with a number of youth-team members likely to be part of the travelling squad after they were pulled out of U23 duty. Arsenal's reserve side lost 5-0 to Everton in Premier League 2 on Monday night (19 September) and it was mainly due to seven of the regular players being promoted to first-team duty for the EFL Cup clash.

Hector Bellerin has played every minute of every game thus far this campaign and could be given a breather. Debuchy is a direct replacement for the Spaniard, but will start only if he is deemed fully fit as he only recently returned to training. The French manager is also likely to make changes in other positions which could see an entire new backline with Gabriel also poised to return at centre-back. Kieran Gibbs is likely to fill the left-back slot with Nacho Monreal stepping aside.

Lucas Perez could be in line for his second start of the season, while Granit Xhaka could also return to the starting lineup after being relegated to the bench for Arsenal's last three games. The Switzerland international will add experience to the team, as youth team players Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Chris Willock are expected to be handed their first competitive starts for the clash against Forest.