Arsenal will battle Leeds United in their return to the Premier League after the September and October international break, and after their 3-0 blowout loss to surprise package Brighton, they will want to avoid a similar upset against a Leeds side that has really outperformed expectations in the top five themselves.
The Gunners will be shorthanded after the break, as they suffered some key injuries. We already know star left winger Christos Tzolis will be out with a muscular issue, which is a huge blow.
But another new signing, center back Ezri Konsa, could also be out, and the same goes for center forward Kai Havertz. Both men suffered injuries over the break with their countries.
Mikel Arteta provided injury updates on both Havertz and Konsa before the Leeds game to the press, but he didn’t give us all much to go off of. It sounds like both men are going to be game time decisions for the Arsenal starting lineup and squad vs. the Peacocks.
Arteta said, “With Kai Havertz, he had a muscular injury. I spoke to Jürgen Klopp & they sent the player back immediately, as is norma. Ezri Konsa has been carrying some issues as well & we had good communication with the England camp about that.” “We will see tomorrow [on Havertz & Konsa].”
Viktor Gyokeres was on fire for Sweden in the UEFA Nations League over the break, so he will probably draw the start. But with all the injuries Arsenal have had in defense, Konza’s status is tougher to predict, because the Gunners have several injuries in defense, but since those guys are recovering, there’s less of a need to push him if the Gunners don’t have to.
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THE TRIVELA EFFECT
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.