Leeds to be without Dan James for trip to the Emirates

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Arsenal will face a Leeds United side missing at least one key attacker this weekend, with Daniel Farke confirming that Dan James will miss Saturday's Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium through injury.

James picked up a back problem while on international duty with Wales during the extended break, and Farke confirmed the winger will not be involved against Arsenal. 'Daniel James will miss the Arsenal game, so he is out with a back injury,' Farke said. 'He came back with this back injury, more or less, from his national team and for that he is not available for this game.'

James had started three of Leeds' opening five league matches this season, making his absence a notable blow for Farke ahead of a difficult away trip.

Wilson and Rodon fitness updates

Harry Wilson, another of Leeds' Welsh contingent, is also a doubt for the match. The forward has returned to full training after recovering from a muscle injury but Farke was unable to guarantee his involvement. 'He is back in team training since Tuesday,' Farke explained. 'Again, we also have to wait right now how his body reacts but there is also a chance for him to be available going into this game.'

Wilson has impressed since his move from Fulham and would be a significant addition if passed fit in time.

Centre-back Joe Rodon remains further behind in his recovery. The Welsh international is back doing individual work on the pitch but is not yet ready to train fully with the squad, let alone travel for Saturday's fixture. 'Joe is on his way back in his rehab making good progress,' said Farke. 'He has already had individual sessions on the pitch but it will be a bit until he is back in team training.'

There was better news on Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, who has recovered from an ankle strain and is available for selection.

Leeds arrive in good form

Despite the fitness concerns, Leeds travel to north London sitting fifth in the Premier League and just three points behind second-placed Arsenal. They remain one of only five unbeaten sides in the division, alongside Manchester City, Brentford, Liverpool and Everton.

Farke was keen to stress that his side's start to the season is no fluke. 'It's not coincidence that in the last 10-11 months we are the fifth best team in the Premier League in terms of points,' he said. 'We haven't won the lottery to be in fifth, it's not a coincidence that we are unbeaten after a very impressive start to the Premier League.'

Arsenal, meanwhile, could welcome back the fit-again trio of Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie, while Declan Rice returns having had extra rest during the international break. As reported by the Evening Standard, the matchup promises to be a stern early-season test for Mikel Arteta's side as the Premier League resumes this weekend.