Ange Postecoglou has already summed up what he thinks of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal problem

Ange Postecoglou knows all about managing against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal (Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Ange Postecoglou knows Arsenal will not be weakened by injuries as he prepares to lead his new Nottingham Forest side at Emirates Stadium.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager makes his bow as Forest boss against, of all teams, Mikel Arteta's side in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. The Australian coach has taken over from Nuno Espirito Santo, who received his marching orders from Forest just three matches into the campaign following a breakdown in relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Forest will face a Gunners side with a few injury issues. Bukayo Saka remains sidelined, and William Saliba has been ruled out, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are long-term absentees. However, considering the Gunners' impressive squad depth, Postecoglou knows Arteta's side will present Forest with a significant challenge.

Postecoglou expressed his views on Arsenal prior to a north London derby exactly one year ago. The Gunners were missing Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard but still secured a 1-0 triumph at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "That's a hell of a trap to fall into, if you think they are reliant on two players," he said before that encounter.

Bukayo Saka remains sidelined after picking up an injury against Leeds last month (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)

"They can fill the gaps they have because they have the quality in their squad. The key for us is to focus on our performance. If we go in there thinking they are somehow weakened, we are going to get punished. If we go into it thinking they are going to be very strong, which I think they will be, then we have got to be at our best."

Since then, Arsenal have significantly bolstered their squad following a busy transfer window that saw the arrivals of stars like Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi.

Postecoglou has high hopes for his Forest squad after leaving Spurs (Image: Nottingham Forest FC via Getty)

Postecoglou is confident that the Forest team he has taken over has the mettle to vie for European football once more. He said: "I really like the squad. It's got great balance in terms of being able to cover most positions for the rotations you need.

"There's a variance in styles in there that will allow you to play differently. There's no doubt European football has different demands on you than the Premier League and the cup competitions as well.

"We want to compete on all fronts. I've only had two days with the players. It will be one day with the whole squad. I think there's a good balance there. A squad that I think is ready to compete but also robust enough to handle the challenge."