The longest international break in recent memory is now in the past, meaning it’s time to get back to business with league fixtures. Arsenal hosts Leeds United in the Saturday lunchtime fixture which is actually more meaningful than it might first initially sound. Second place Arsenal have a long list of injury concerns as they prepare to host fifth place Leeds. Let’s get you caught up with the latest on Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, Declan Rice, Ben White, Ezri Konsa and more.
Arsenal vs Leeds United FYIs
Kickoff: Saturday Oct 12, 5:30pm, The Emirates, London, UK
Detailed Full Injury List: Arsenal FC Leeds United
Google Result Probabilities: Arsenal win 70% Draw 18% Leeds United win 12%
PL Standing, Form: Arsenal FC 2nd, 12 pts, WWWWL Leeds United 5th, 9 pts, WDDWD
Arsenal Team News
Havertz, who has certainly been no stranger to injury in recent years, returned from Germany camp early, having suffered a hamstring injury. We’re still awaiting official word, but it doesn’t look likely that he’ll be availabke on Saturday.
The situation is very similar with Tzolis, who also picked up a hamstring issue while on international duty with Greece. He returned to the club early, and is a doubt for this weekend.
Elsewhere Ezri Konsa is a 50/50 proposition, after picking up a knock while playing for England.
Thomas Tuchel said over the weekend: “Unfortunately, he got another hit on the quad,” Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel said on Monday.
“And that caused a light trauma, and we decided not to let him play through this pain, so he left camp to get treatment for both his issues now. I think nothing major, but not worth the risk taking.”
Now on to the good news- Christhian Mosquera, Ben White and Declan Rice are all expected to be passed fit to feature on Saturday.
Leeds United Team News
Leeds have been surprisingly good this season, and they will not be intimated when they come to the Emirates. They do have some injuries to contend with though, as Harry Wilson is a doubt, due to a quad injury. He will likely need to pass a late fitness test.
Meanwhile Jean-Matteo Bahoya (ankle), Joe Rodon (hamstring) and Mateo Josph (ACL) remain sidelined.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.