Arsenal are facing a number of injury concerns ahead of their return to Premier League action following the international break. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points over reigning champions Manchester City after beating Crystal Palace 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta may not be able to call upon a few key players for the clash against Leeds United on Saturday, April 1 following the international break. Takehiro Tomiyasu will not be available for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery following an injury he sustained during the Europa League clash against Sporting CP, which saw Arsenal exit the competition after a dramatic two-legged tie.
William Saliba suffered an injury in the same game and missed the win against Palace before being withdrawn from Didier Deschamps' France squad for the international break. Eddie Nketiah is continuing to recover from an ankle injury, whilst Bukayo Saka was targeted with a series of fouls in England's win against Italy on Thursday as calls to protect the Hale End star continue.
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As Arsenal face a number of concerns to some key players ahead of their clash against Leeds next weekend, football.london takes a look at three ways the Gunners could line up for the match.
Holding starts
Rob Holding may be called upon once again by Arteta for the game against Leeds if Saliba is still unavailable for selection as the Frenchman recovers from injury. The English centre-back deputised for Saliba in the win against Palace and put in a solid performance alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
At such a crucial time of the season, Arteta may want to avoid rushing back his star defender and ensure he stays fit until the end of the campaign, meaning Holding could retain his place in defence. Tomiyasu's absence is likely to see Ben White remain at right-back, despite Thomas Partey proving he can perform in that role during the win against the Eagles.
Arsenal starting XI: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Saka and Nketiah absent
Saka has played a ridiculous amount of minutes so far this season and a home clash against Leeds may be a smart time to give the Hale End star a rest, especially after an international break which saw him continue to be fouled and kicked.
Nketiah is still recovering from injury and remains a doubt for the game against Leeds, but with Gabriel Jesus back fit and having two weeks to train under Arteta as he builds up his match fitness, it could see the Brazilian start alongside Gabriel Martinelli and one of Emile Smith Rowe or Reiss Nelson in attack.
Leandro Trossard is another option who could be used with Martinelli playing as a false nine, whilst Jesus has previous experience of playing from the right-wing and could replace Saka if Arteta gives the England international a rest.
Arsenal starting XI: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Jesus, Martinelli, Trossard.
Emile Smith Rowe returns
Emile Smith Rowe may be included in the starting line-up against Leeds if Arteta feels he is ready to come into the team and make an impact. The Hale End star can be deployed in midfield or attack due to his versatility, so he could start ahead of Martinelli on the left if required.
Arsenal starting XI: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Smith Rowe.
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