Saka started the 0-0 draw at the City Ground on the bench and came on in the second-half.
Arteta says Arsenal “have to be very smart” with the England attacker.
Speaking after the Forest draw, Arteta said: “Bukayo had a lot of minutes and he had a niggle before the game so we need to manage our players.
“We have some fantastic players that can provide different things and we did try it from the beginning, we tried after half-time as well, taking more risks and bringing in even more players in those attacking options.
“We tried in every way and it wasn't enough unfortunately.”
Arsenal face a big week ahead, as they travel to Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday before hosting Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.