Four changes on the cards for Arsenal's clash with Leeds
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Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday after the international break, hosting Leeds at the Emirates Stadium, and Mikel Arteta looks set to make several changes to the side beaten 3-0 at Brighton last time out.
Two of the players who started that defeat at the Amex, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis, picked up hamstring injuries on international duty and are expected to miss the Leeds game after returning to north London for treatment, according to football.london.
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Defensive puzzle at right-back and centre-back
David Raya is expected to continue in goal, but there's a genuine selection dilemma at right-back. Jurrien Timber played 60 minutes for Holland during the break and his workload has been carefully managed, though he isn't considered fully fit. That could open the door for Ben White, who has been pictured back in training following his groin injury.
At centre-back, Ezri Konsa was left out of England's squad for tonight's game against Czechia as a precaution but should be available to partner Gabriel Magalhaes. Should Konsa not be ready in time, Cristhian Mosquera is the alternative option alongside Gabriel. Riccardo Calafiori, who scored his first goal for Italy against Turkey over the break, is expected to keep his place at left-back.
Midfield rotation and Gyokeres' big chance
Declan Rice is well-rested and should start, but Bruno Guimaraes faces a tougher case for inclusion after extensive travel with Brazil and a subdued display at Brighton. Myles Lewis-Skelly could come into the side as a result, while Eberechi Eze may get a first Premier League start of the season out wide left, with Tzolis' injury making him first choice in that role.
Martin Odegaard is set to retain his creative role through the middle, with Bukayo Saka again expected on the right. Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is poised to make his first Premier League start of the campaign. The Swede scored in all four of Sweden's Nations League matches during the break and will be looking to translate that form into his first club goal of the season. Mikel Merino could be used as an option off the bench if needed.
Arsenal's game against Leeds kicks off as the early fixture on Saturday, with coverage on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max.
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