Arsenal face a nervy wait ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime clash against Leeds United, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming that key duo Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa are fighting to prove their fitness.
Both players were notably absent from footage of Thursday’s training session at London Colney, casting significant doubt over their availability for the Emirates Stadium encounter. Havertz, who has been a central figure for the Gunners, returned from international duty with Germany carrying a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, defender Ezri Konsa withdrew early from the England camp after dealing with a persistent “dead leg,” leaving Arteta with defensive selection headaches.
Addressing the media during his Friday press conference, the Arsenal manager remained tight-lipped on the pair’s prospects. “We will see tomorrow,” Arteta said when pressed on the likelihood of their inclusion.
The potential absence of Havertz could force a tactical reshuffle, with in-form striker Viktor Gyokeres primed to lead the line. The Swedish forward has been in scintillating form, netting four goals in four matches during the recent international break. His clinical edge would be a significant boost for the Gunners should Havertz be deemed unfit to start.
Further bad news has already been confirmed regarding Christos Tzolis, who has been ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring issue. Consequently, Eberechi Eze is expected to step into the starting lineup on the left wing.
On a more positive note, Arsenal fans will be encouraged by the status of Declan Rice. The midfielder pulled out of the England squad during the international window, but Arteta clarified that the decision was a matter of “load management” rather than a new injury. “We have to manage him because he’s been dealing with a few issues since he came back from the World Cup, and we know the amount of games that he’s played in the last three years,” Arteta explained. “It was a sensible thing to do, and hopefully tomorrow he’s available.”
Defensively, Arsenal are bolstered by the availability of Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, and Piero Hincapie. Midfield selection remains a point of intrigue, with Arteta weighing up whether to stick with Bruno Guimaraes—who struggled in the recent stalemate with Brighton—or provide an opportunity for youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly to partner Rice.
As it stands, Arsenal’s medical staff are working against the clock to assess the fitness of their doubts. With the 12:30 pm kickoff fast approaching, the confirmed team news will be the final word on whether the Gunners can field a full-strength side to maintain their momentum at the top of the table.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres.
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