Arsenal forward 'out for 15-20 days' after international break blow

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Arsenal have been dealt two forward injuries during the international break, with Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis both sustaining hamstring problems while away with Germany and Greece respectively.

Neither player has a confirmed return date at this stage, but football.london reports that sources close to the Greek Football Federation suspect Tzolis could be out for 15-20 days following initial tests.

Both forwards have been assessed back in London this week, with Mikel Arteta's staff working towards getting the pair back on the pitch as quickly as possible. The expectation is that neither will feature against Leeds United on Saturday.

Dowman and Timber add to the picture

Teenager Max Dowman was also released early from England's Under-19 camp following an injury issue, though football.london report there is optimism the decision was taken purely as a precaution.

Attention now turns to the rest of Arsenal's international contingent, with further fixtures taking place on Tuesday evening. Jurrien Timber, whose fitness has been carefully managed, is among those Arteta will be monitoring closely before the squad reassembles at London Colney.

Injuries and fitness issues can flare up in the days after international matches even when players complete 90 minutes, so a clean bill of health from the final round of games would leave Arteta with far more flexibility in attack than he currently has.

Leeds arrive unbeaten

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime at the Emirates following the defeat at Brighton before the break, a result that ended their recent run.

Leeds travel to north London still unbeaten in the Premier League this season, having won two and drawn three of their opening five top-flight fixtures. The Whites have been one of the stories of the early campaign and arrive with no league losses on their record.

With Champions League and EFL Cup commitments following in quick succession, the fixture list is about to tighten considerably — which makes the timing of the Havertz and Tzolis setbacks particularly awkward for a squad already looking stretched at the top end of the pitch.

Gyokeres returns in form

One positive from the break is Viktor Gyokeres, who scored four goals across all four of Sweden's Nations League matches during the extended international window.

The striker is yet to open his Arsenal account this season, but with Havertz likely unavailable, he is in line to lead the line against Leeds. Gyokeres scored three times in two outings against the Whites last season.

Arteta is due to face the media later this week, where fuller updates on Havertz, Tzolis and Dowman are expected. Until then, Arsenal will wait on the final results of their assessments and on the last batch of internationals returning without fresh problems.