Arsenal Injury Update: Arteta Reveals Rice, Havertz Doubts Ahead of Leeds Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of his side’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United, with several players facing doubts over their availability.

Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz are among the players with fitness concerns. However, Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are available for selection.

Rice’s fitness remains a concern as Arsenal assess his condition ahead of the match. Arteta said the midfielder had experienced several issues since returning from the World Cup and that the club needed to manage his workload carefully.

“We have to manage him. He’s had a few issues since he’s come back from the World Cup,” Arteta said.

“We know how many games he’s played in the last three years, it was the sensible thing to do. Hopefully he’s available and some others as well that are in doubt.”

On Havertz, Arteta confirmed that the forward had suffered a muscular injury. He also explained that the club had communicated with the relevant international camp regarding the player’s condition and return.

“ Kai has had a muscular injury,” Arteta said, adding that Jurrien Timber, who had been involved in the other team against Germany, had contacted him before the player was sent back.

Arteta also revealed that Konsa had been dealing with fitness issues, while Tzolis was ruled out for several weeks because of a muscular injury.

“Ezri has been carrying some issues as well and we had some good communication with the England camp,” he said.

On Tzolis, the Arsenal manager added: “Tzolis has a muscular injury and he’s going to be out for a few weeks. He’s not available.”

There was more encouraging news regarding Hincapie and Mosquera, both of whom are fit and available after working to recover in time for the Brighton fixture. Arteta said the pair had done well to become available, although the club opted not to use them in that match.

Ben White is also available, giving Arsenal additional options as they prepare for Leeds.

The final availability of the players listed as doubts will be important as Arteta assesses his squad ahead of the Premier League encounter.