Mikel Arteta is expected to welcome back an injured Arsenal star to his Premier League side for the test against Leeds United
06:00, 31 Jan 2026
Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are both in contention to start for Arsenal this weekend at Leeds United
View Image
Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori are both in contention to start for Arsenal this weekend at Leeds United(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Leeds United in the Premier League, looking to return to winning ways in the domestic competition after their defeat to Manchester United last weekend. Mikel Arteta will see his side move seven points clear with a win as both Manchester City and Aston Villa play after the Gunners this weekend.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are due to return after Arteta confirmed the pair are fine following their omission from the team that beat Kairat Almaty in midweek. Max Dowman is currently the only player missing through injury, and Arteta also provided an insight into his status, saying he was back on the pitch and closing on a return.
Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres both scored in midweek and there are discussions over who should be playing in the number nine role. Arteta has some interesting decisions to make and football.london shares our thoughts on what we are expecting and why:
David Raya
After conceding three times for the first time since December 2023 when the Gunners beat Luton Town 4-3, United’s goalscoring will be something Raya will wish to put behind him.
Jurrien Timber
Rested after Ben White took the armband and assisted Kai Havertz in midweek, Jurrien Timber is expected to return to the starting XI.
William Saliba
Also given a week off, the Frenchman is said to be okay to return, despite, like Timber, suffering with a couple of niggles injury-wise
Gabriel
A big performance is needed defensively and after the Brazilian saw a red card overturned at Elland Road in 2022 he will hope for a less dramatic outing this time.
Riccardo Calafiori
Arteta has two other options in Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly at left back but with the Italian back with the team, he is the starting player and expected to come back in.
Martin Zubimendi
After his mistake against United at the weekend, the Spaniard will need to find focus and will be on it when it comes to a reintroduction to the side.
Declan Rice
Making his 300th Premier League appearance is Declan Rice who has struck a frustrated figure in recent weeks but can turn that all around with a big performance at Elland Road.
Martin Odegaard
While plenty would probably look for Eberechi Eze to continue in the number ten role, Arteta has big faith in his captain and the expectation is he starts again.
Bukayo Saka
Scored at Leeds in 2022, Saka will hope to add to a disappointing low goal tally this season and take Arsenal back toward their title goals.
Viktor Gyokeres
A chaotic game against Kairat, where the Swede both scored a good goal and missed some big chances, he will be looking to get on the scoresheet here.
Leandro Trossard
Article continues below
Another who was given a week’s rest and will be looking to return to scoring form in the league after a slight dip in form.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts