Arsenal vs Leeds United: Early Team News Reveals 2 Ruled Out and 4 Doubts
Arsenal are set to return to Premier League action this Saturday as they take on a resilient Leeds United side at Elland Road. The Gunners are coming off a midweek victory over Kairat in the Champions League, which secured their top spot in the league phase and direct progression to the next round, avoiding a play-off. However, their domestic form has hit a snag, with a recent defeat to Manchester United cutting their lead at the summit by three points. Mikel Arteta's men will be eager to bounce back and reclaim their winning momentum in this high-stakes encounter.
Leeds United, currently positioned 16th in the table, are no easy opponents. They have lost only one of their last eleven matches across all competitions, showcasing a solid run of form that has lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone. Under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, the team has drawn six of those games, a testament to their defensive resilience and fighting spirit. Every point is precious in their battle against the drop, making this fixture a crucial test for both sides.
Leeds United Injury Updates
Daniel Farke has provided updates on several key players ahead of the match. Gabriel Gudmundsson is listed as a doubt due to an adductor problem that forced him out of training recently. Farke expressed hope for his availability, but his return remains uncertain. Daniel James is also a doubt as he recovers from a hamstring issue; he has begun reintegrating into team training but is not yet fully fit after a two-month absence.
In more definitive news, Jaka Bijol has been ruled out until at least late February. Farke confirmed that the defender is facing a predicted recovery period of three to five weeks, with the club monitoring his rehab closely to avoid any setbacks.
Arsenal Injury Concerns
On the Arsenal side, Mikel Arteta has highlighted several injury worries. William Saliba is a doubt for the Leeds clash, with Arteta noting that he and other players have minor niggles. The manager hopes to have them in optimal condition by the weekend, but their participation is not guaranteed.
Jurrien Timber is similarly battling to return and is listed as a doubt. Arteta provided the same update for Timber, indicating that his availability hinges on his recovery progress. Meanwhile, Max Dowman has been ruled out with an injury similar to that of a teammate, expected to keep him sidelined for a few more weeks as he continues his rehabilitation away from training.
This early team news sets the stage for a tense Premier League showdown, with both clubs navigating injury challenges that could impact their tactical setups and performance on the pitch.
