Team News: Charlie Patino makes first Arsenal start against Nottingham Forest

Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino has been named in the starting lineup for the Gunners' FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

The 18-year-old has been handed his full debut under Mikel Arteta after finding the back of the net in his first substitute outing for the club against Sunderland in the EFL Cup last month.

With Granit Xhaka not involved for the Gunners at the City Ground, Patino forms the midfield pairing alongside Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is handed an expected start in the absence of Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.

Bernd Leno displaces Aaron Ramsdale in goal, while Ben White holds his place in defence alongside Rob Holding, who deputises for the suspended Gabriel Magalhaes.

Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares are selected to occupy the full-back areas, while Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the final third once more.

Eddie Nketiah has recovered from a bout of coronavirus to spearhead the attack, and Patino's fellow youngsters Mika Biereth, Omari Hutchinson and Salah Oulad M'Hand both make the bench.

Arsenal starting lineup: Leno; Cedric, Holding, White, Tavares; Lokonga, Patino; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah