Ilia Gruev in action for Leeds with Arsenal badge
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Fri 22 August 2025 13:00, UK
Leeds United have suffered a huge injury blow ahead of their trip to Arsenal.
Daniel Farke passed his first test back in the Premier League when Leeds United beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road, but with 37 more still to come, he will be aware of the challenge ahead.
With an away clash against Arsenal on the horizon for Leeds, challenges won’t get much bigger, and the Whites will have to be at their absolute best to come away from the Emirates anything other than empty-handed.
However, their chances of achieving that suffered a blow this week, though it could serve as a positive for Ilia Gruev.
Daniel Farke looking stressed as Leeds boss
Farke has suffered a blow ahead of the Arsenal encounter (Credit: Imago)
Ethan Ampadu ruled out in latest Leeds injury update
Ethan Ampadu was a mainstay when fit for Leeds last season, though his inability to remain that way was the biggest concern.
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Now, after Ampadu suffered an injury in Leeds’ win against Everton, Farke has revealed that the Welshman could be missing again until the end of the September international break.
Ampadu’s stats vs Everton
50 successful passes
72 touches
75% duel win rate
2 recoveries
His absence will be a blow, but with Leeds having recruited two new midfielders this summer, they have options to replace him, though it could be Gruev who takes his place.
The Bulgarian featured just 23 times for Leeds in the Championship this season, and the new arrivals have pushed him even further down the pecking order.
Should he be given the nod, it could be his final chance to stake a claim for his place in the team in the Premier League, with Sean Longstaff waiting in the wings for his chance to shine.
Leeds Predicted XI vs Arsenal.
Leeds Predicted XI vs Arsenal after Ampadu blow.
How have Leeds fared vs Arsenal in the past?
Leeds have faced Arsenal 127 times in their history, with the first recorded clash coming back in December 1924.
Arsenal won that game 6-1, and have won 53 of the encounters against Leeds, compared to their 41.
Leeds enjoyed a miraculous run against the Gunners, where they went unbeaten against Arsenal over 10 games between 1959 and 1968.
However, it has been 22 years since Leeds last recorded a win against Arsenal, and Farke will be the man tasked with changing that this weekend when his side travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
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