The Gunners host newly promoted Leeds United on Saturday afternoon in their first home game of the season. Mikel Arteta's men will be looking to build upon their 0-1 win at Old Trafford last Sunday with a much-improved performance.
Mikel Arteta had this to say in his pre-match press conference.
Latest on Kai Havertz Injury
It was announced on Wednesday afternoon that Kai Havertz had picked up a knee injury, however the extent of which was not released to the public.
Arteta was asked on the magnitude of the German's injury.
"Well, certainly not fit for this match. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury. We don't really know yet the extent of it, I think we need a bit more time and some more tests, and after that we will have more clarity about the next steps".
When pressed on if it's a flare-up of the knee, the boss responded:
"I prefer not to talk about the specifics, but he’s not fit, as I said. We need to explore that issue a little bit further and decide what we’re going to do".
Arteta was determined to not reveal the extent of Havertz's injury.
"I don’t know, the worst scenario is that he cannot play tomorrow, I would love to have him fresh and available, bringing what he brings to the team but unfortunately, that is not going to be possible".
Hours after Havertz's injury was announced, David Orstien and later Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal were nearing the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The deal seems all but officially announced as the midfielder has been booked in for a medical today.
🚨🔐 All documents are signed club to club for Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal.
Eze, undergoing his medical ahead of signature on contract and registration as it must happen before 12pm to be elegible against Leeds. pic.twitter.com/qaqPmQfJuX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2025
"There's nothing to comment on, I can never talk about anything that's not part of our group or club yet".
When questioned on how cruscial it is to feel that a player genuinely wants to play for Arsenal, he said:
"That's number one, that they want to be with us, that they feel something special coming to us. Then the person, what personality we're going to bring, and then the rest comes. I think we've done that very, very well in the last few years to create a group of players and the spirit in the team".
There was much speculation online on whether the Eze signing was influenced by Kai Havertz's injury. Arteta firmly denied that sentiment, stating:
"I think it was very clear when I said that it wasn't done. We were very actively trying to look at the possibilities that could come. We are not reacting to anything. We've been very prepared and understand what we could do. We have decided that this is the moment to do it".
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Viktor Gyökeres
New signing Viktor Gyökeres floundered in his Premier League debut against Manchester United last Sunday. The big Swede had a limited amount of touches and struggled to be a handful for Ruben Amorim's defence. Arteta substitiued his £65million man on the hour mark. He was asked if this was planned.
"It depended on how the game developed. Every game brings different challenges, opportunities. I think the game was very demanding physically, became really open for different reasons, and we decided that at that moment, he needed to come off, and we had Kai on the bench to come and change the game".
Hoping for an improved performance tomorrow Arteta praised Gyökeres for impressing throughout the week.
"Yes, he is. He's very, very enthusiastic. He trained really well this week, again. He’s had another week under his belt, he looks in a really good place".
Leeds opened their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a home victory against Everton. He praised Daniel Farke's side for their history and performance.
"Very impressed. I've been watching them, what they did in pre-season, what they did on Monday, what they did last year, in the manner that they did it. Big compliments to the way they play, to the coach. I'm sure they're going to put a really difficult match against us tomorrow".
"An incredible club, incredible history as well. I’ve been here long enough to understand the history of that club. As I said, very special, one big city with just one club. So passionate, and you know what happens when you go there and play. It's great to have them back, wish them all the best, apart from tomorrow"
Changing Playstyle
Much has been made of Arsenal's lack of central progression in recent seasons. The signings of Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres seem to be direct responses to that. With Thomas Partey’s departure, Zubimendi offers the sort of line-breaking passing and press resistance needed to not only unlock deep blocks but also launch transitions from defensive phases. Meanwhile, Gyökeres provides a vertical outlet on the break, capable of pinning centre-backs, attacking space in behind, and giving Arsenal a more direct counter-attacking option than they’ve had in recent years.
The Arsenal boss said this when asked on the how his side could make their counter-attacks more effective.
"A few things. Understanding the behaviour of the opposition, understanding what kind of runs and where we have to start. The timing of that connection as well, which is something that, in every situation, is going to be different".
"Understanding certain principles, where we want to arrive, and how we want to do it. Then it’s about the execution and being fast as well in those moments to make that decision because when your heart rate is 180, to make that pass, is not the same as when you’ve been resting after a set-piece for one minute. Every situation is different, but I’m sure we’re going to improve it. The good thing is, the intention of the team has been exceptional. It’s now about making those little margins, those tunes, to make it more efficient".
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at Arsenal's home stadium, The Emirates.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday, 23rd August at 17:30 BST.
How can I watch?
The match will be televised live on Sky Sports. Alternatively, written coverage will be available pre-match and post-match here at VAVEL UK.