Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action this weekend when they host Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of a few key players heading into the showdown as the Gunners look to extend their lead at the top.
The Gunners come into the game off the back of a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace – with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka all scoring.
The fitness of star midfielder Thomas Partey is a real cause for concern for Arteta. Partey was an unused substitute in Ghana’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola on Monday. The Gunners sent a club physio to Ghana in a bid to keep the player fit.
Speaking after the game with Angola, Ghana manager Chris Hughton said: ‘Thomas has some small issues, a small injury issue and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him.’
French defender William Saliba may miss Arsenal’s clash with Leeds United on Saturday
Both Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba picked up injuries before the international break, while Mohamed Elneny is a long-term absentee after knee surgery.
Saliba limped off in Arsenal’s Europa League exit against Sporting Lisbon, suffering an issue with his back. The Frenchman would then miss the clash with Palace. The French national team would officially announce that the defender would not be available for their upcoming games with the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland following the injury. Saliba will now undergo further assessments to determine the severity of the injury.
Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up a knee problem during Arsenal’s game with Sporting. The right-back was pictured leaving the Emirates Stadium in a knee brace and on crutches. It is confirmed that the defender will now miss the rest of the season following knee surgery.
Eddie Nketiah has not played since the Gunners’ win over Everton. An ankle injury has kept Nketiah out since the beginning of March. The forward is still wearing a protective boot and is expected to miss the clash with Leeds.
The Gunners’ clash with Leeds United will kick off on Saturday, April 1st.
