Mikel Arteta has revealed that several Arsenal players are in doubt for Saturday's Premier League match against Leeds United, as the Gunners return to action following a three-week international break.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta confirmed that Christos Tzolis will definitely be unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with Greece. Asked about the winger, Arteta said, via football.london: "Yeah, he's not available."
Uncertainty also surrounds Declan Rice, who withdrew from the England squad due to load management. Arteta explained: "Yeah, we have to manage him because he's had a few issues since he came back from the World Cup. Hopefully tomorrow he's available and some others also are in doubt."
Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring injury on Germany duty, while Ezri Konsa withdrew from England's squad before the Czechia match after experiencing what was described as discomfort. Addressing both situations, Arteta said: "With Kai as he had a muscular injury, I spoke to Germany and they sent the player back as normal, Ezri we had good communication with the England camp." On their chances of featuring against Leeds, he added: "Kai and Ezri we will see tomorrow."
Arteta also confirmed that Max Dowman is fit enough to be included in the squad, after the teenager withdrew from England Under-19s duty during the break.
Possible Changes at the Emirates
With Tzolis unavailable, Eberechi Eze could be handed a starting role, while Viktor Gyökeres may also come into the side in place of Havertz, having shown strong goalscoring form for Sweden during the international break.
Should Konsa fail to prove his fitness, Arteta could turn to Cristhian Mosquera to partner Gabriel Magalhães in central defense. Mosquera has been managing his own hamstring issue in recent weeks, missing Arsenal's last five fixtures, though he returned to full team training during the break.
Ben White is also available again after sitting out the 3-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion. William Saliba remains out as he continues his rehabilitation from a back injury, with a possible return targeted for November or December.
