Arsenal injury update ahead of Leeds.
Photo: Getty Images
Arsenal have received mixed news during the international break, with Christos Tzolis facing a spell on the sidelines while several other first-team players continue to work towards a return ahead of the Premier League clash with Leeds United.
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Arsenal injury update: Tzolis setback as Arteta selection headache continues ahead of Leeds 5
The Gunners welcome Leeds to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 10, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 BST. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have as many players available as possible after an international window that has brought fresh concerns alongside some encouraging signs of progress.
Here is the latest on Arsenal’s injury situation.
Christos Tzolis — hamstring injury
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Arsenal injury update: Tzolis setback as Arteta selection headache continues ahead of Leeds 7
Tzolis is the latest Arsenal player to suffer an injury setback after being forced off just 18 minutes into Greece’s Nations League match against the Netherlands on October 1.
The winger appeared to be struggling with a hamstring problem and was substituted before the half-hour mark. Greece subsequently ruled him out of their next fixture against Germany.
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According to The Short Fuse, early reports suggest a Grade 1 hamstring strain, with an estimated recovery period of two to three weeks. That timeline has not been confirmed by Arsenal, however, and the club’s assessment will be important in establishing the full extent of the injury.
His availability for the Leeds match is therefore in serious doubt. A return before the end of October will depend on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
Kai Havertz — further assessment required
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Havertz is another concern for Arteta after suffering an injury during Germany’s international fixtures.
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The forward was involved in a heavy challenge and subsequently left the field. Although the initial concern centred on his foot, later reporting described the problem as muscular.
He returned to London for further assessment, with The Short Fuse reporting that Arsenal were optimistic the injury was not a long-term setback.
That is encouraging, but it does not confirm when he will return. Until the club provides a clearer update, Havertz’s availability against Leeds should be treated as uncertain rather than ruled in or out.
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Martin Ødegaard — encouraging signs
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There has been more encouraging news surrounding Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.
The midfielder suffered an ankle scare after an incident involving Bernardo Silva during Norway’s international programme. Subsequent reporting indicated that scans found no significant damage.
Ødegaard then started Norway’s next match and registered an assist, providing a positive indication of his condition.
His return to action is encouraging for Arsenal, although it does not automatically guarantee that he will be ready to start against Leeds. His response to the match and his condition upon returning to club duty will help determine his availability.
Declan Rice — international withdrawal
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Rice withdrew from England duty during the international window, raising questions over his fitness ahead of Arsenal’s return to domestic action.
England’s official announcement stated that the midfielder was among five players withdrawn because of injury issues. It did not describe his absence as simply load management.
There has been no indication in the reporting reviewed that Rice’s problem is a major long-term concern. Nevertheless, his precise condition and readiness for Leeds still require clarification from Arsenal.
Given his importance in midfield, Arteta will want to establish whether Rice can resume training without restrictions before making a decision on his involvement.
Ben White — working towards a return
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Arsenal injury update: Tzolis setback as Arteta selection headache continues ahead of Leeds 15
White has been managing a groin problem and is among the players reported to be approaching a return.
The latest assessment from The Short Fuse suggested that he could be ready soon, potentially in time for the Leeds fixture.
That offers some encouragement for Arsenal’s defensive options, but there has been no definitive confirmation that White has been cleared to play. His training progress over the coming days will be an important indicator.
Cristhian Mosquera — fitness being monitored
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Mosquera has also been dealing with an injury, with recent reporting identifying a hamstring issue.
Like White, the defender has been listed among the players who could return soon. Leeds represents a possible target rather than a confirmed comeback date.
Arsenal will need to assess his fitness before deciding whether he can return to the matchday squad. Until then, his status remains one to monitor.
Piero Hincapié — another defensive concern
Hincapié has been managing a groin problem, according to the latest injury reporting.
The defender is also thought to be nearing a return, with the Leeds fixture mentioned as a possible opportunity for him to become available again.
However, a projected return should not be confused with full fitness. Arsenal’s medical staff will need to establish whether he can train and compete without restrictions before Arteta considers selecting him.
Ezri Konsa — fitness to be assessed
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Konsa has also been subject to fitness monitoring during England duty.
The defender reportedly trained separately from the main group in the days before England’s match against Croatia. The available reporting did not suggest a major concern, but it also did not establish that he would definitely be available for Arsenal’s next match.
His condition should therefore be treated as one to monitor rather than a confirmed return or absence.
William Saliba — rehabilitation progressing
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Saliba remains another player to watch as he works his way back from injury.
The latest reporting indicates that the centre-back has resumed running on grass, a positive step in his rehabilitation. The Short Fuse reported that a November return was being targeted.
There is still work to be done before he can be considered ready for competitive action, and Arsenal have not confirmed a definitive comeback date in the reporting reviewed.
For now, his progress is encouraging, but a return against Leeds should not be expected on the strength of running sessions alone.
What does the injury situation mean for Arsenal?
The international break has given Arsenal several issues to assess before Leeds visit the Emirates. Tzolis’s hamstring injury is the clearest fresh setback, while Havertz’s situation remains uncertain.
There are more encouraging signs with Ødegaard, who has returned to action for Norway, and with White, Mosquera and Hincapié, who have been reported as possible candidates to return soon. Rice’s condition will also be important after his withdrawal from England duty.
Saliba’s rehabilitation is progressing, although the reported November target places his return further down the line.
The next few days should provide a clearer picture as Arsenal’s players return to club duty and Arteta assesses their condition in training. Until then, several of the possible returns remain targets rather than guarantees.
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Arsenal’s availability for Leeds will ultimately depend on the club’s subsequent medical updates and Arteta’s pre-match assessment.
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