Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time this season later today (Saturday) as they look to build on their opening day win.
The Gunners came out as 1-0 winners over Manchester United at Old Trafford last week thanks to Riccardo Calafiori ’s first half goal. This time around they take on newly promoted Leeds United at home (5.30pm kick-off).
As with any upcoming game there will be interest over who may or may not start, or be involved in the squad for the game. Mikel Arteta will be forced into at least one change in his matchday squad.
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It was confirmed this week that Kai Havertz has picked up an injury that will rule him out of the game. There is yet to be a timeline put on his return.
The German international was a second half substitute against United, coming on at the hour mark to replace summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sweden international is expected to again be named in the starting XI for the match against Leeds. Arsenal’s Instagram post indicated that will be the case with Gyokeres featuring on it.
Speaking about Gyokeres, Arteta has outlined the responsibility of his teammates to provide him with service. “I think we are going to be extremely happy when he starts to put the ball in the back of the net very, very often which is his biggest ability,” he said.
“So the team and myself, we have a big responsibility to help him and to understand him to be more efficient and the first game was a really demanding game and we will take it from there.”
One of those who will be tasked with providing the service to Gyokeres is Leandro Trossard. Amid speculation over his future, the Belgian international was an unused substitute against United.
He has however hinted at his involvement vs Leeds by posting a pre-match graphic on his Instagram story. It comes after the winger agreed a new contract with improved terms at the Emirates Stadium.
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes has also hinted at his involvement by posting a pre-match graphic on his own Instagram story. His involvement has also been hinted at with Arsenal who included him on a match preview graphic.
The defender played the full 90 minutes of the game against United, and is expected to again be in the starting line-up alongside William Saliba.