Arsenal injury news: Hincapie, Tzolis, Saliba and Kepa latest

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Arsenal's win over Nottingham Forest arrived with a fresh fitness scare, as Kepa Arrizabalaga was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad at the City Ground, with third choice goalkeeper Ilan Meslier named among the substitutes instead.

There was better news elsewhere, though, with Mikel Zubimendi back available after the ankle problem he picked up in the warm down following the win over Leeds. No other issues emerged from the 1-0 victory, secured by a late Noni Madueke strike that moved Arsenal up to second in the Premier League table.

Here is where things stand with Arsenal's injury list, as detailed by the Evening Standard.

Piero Hincapie

The Ecuadorian defender was carried off during the post match warm down after the win over Leeds, and scans later revealed the ankle injury was more serious than first feared. He missed the games against both Lille and Forest.

Mikel Arteta gave an update following the Lille match, saying: "Piero is improving but it looks more significant. I think it will be a matter of weeks but we don't know exactly how many." His potential return date is pencilled in for the trip to face Liverpool on November 1.

Christos Tzolis

Tzolis suffered a hamstring injury just 18 minutes into Greece's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the Nations League. Arteta confirmed the issue would keep the forward out for a period of time, stating: "Tzolis has a muscle injury, and he's going to be out for a few weeks. He's not available yet." He could potentially be back for the visit of Everton on October 24.

William Saliba

Saliba has not featured for Arsenal this season after a back injury that first flared up during the World Cup resurfaced. The centre back played through the issue as Arsenal secured the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final, but it eventually forced him out of action.

Surgery has not been required, though he remains sidelined for the time being. He has been spotted running at London Colney, with a return potentially on the horizon in December.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa was left out of the squad for the Forest trip after picking up a knock in training. The severity is not yet clear, but he is pencilled in as a potential returnee for the Everton game on October 24.

With Zubimendi back in the fold and several other names working towards comebacks, Arsenal's squad depth should continue to improve over the coming weeks.