Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are both being checked after separate injury concerns during the international break. Havertz was forced off during Germany’s Nations League draw with the Netherlands last Thursday, while Ødegaard is nursing an ankle problem. Declan Rice, Ben White, Piero Hincapié and William Saliba are also in various states of doubt before Leeds arrive.

Arsenal's fitness list after the break

The spread of problems is the real issue for Arsenal. Rice dropped out of the England squad through injury last Monday and missed the 3-2 loss to Spain at the weekend. White picked up a groin issue in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on September 12. Hincapié has only two league appearances, so his situation is not the kind of long absence that changes the whole season, but it still adds another check for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are second in the Premier League on 12 points from five games, and Havertz has already made five league appearances with two goals and a 6.91 rating. Those are solid returns to lose for any stretch, especially with the squad already carrying multiple questions.

Leeds and the White update

Leeds are fifth with 9 points from five league games and remain unbeaten, so Arsenal are not getting an easy restart. There are 12 days before the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium, which gives Arteta some room, but not much comfort while the injury list stays so busy.

There is at least a positive note on White. Speaking to standard.co.uk, Arteta said: "Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody," and that lines up with the club's slightly calmer tone on his issue. Saliba has been sidelined since July with a back injury and does not need surgery, so that problem looks different from the newer doubts around Havertz and Ødegaard.

Arsenal can still get through the break with the damage limited, but the main question now is how many of these players are available when Leeds come to the Emirates.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →