Mikel Arteta is likely to have hated every minute of the recent international break in fear that any of his Arsenal stars could have picked up a knock that derailed their title charge.
The Gunners currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, though they have played one game more than nearest challengers and reigning champions Manchester City. Up next for Arsenal is the visit of Leeds to the Emirates, a game Arteta cannot afford to take lightly.
Once the full-time whistle blows in north London Saturday afternoon, Arsenal will be in single digits when it comes to games left to be played. A win would go some way in transmiting belief to both the players and the fanbase that the 19-year wait for a league title is coming to an end.
With that in mind, here are the main headlines and talking points surrounding Arsenal on Friday, March 31.
Arteta reveals title secret
The Arsenal boss has offered up his explanation behind why the Gunners have looked so good so far this term.
"We have the right level of competition and cooperation because they really want to help each other, but they have to challenge each other as well to benefit the team and lift the standards that we want," Arteta told Sky Sports.
"The secret is probably the unity and togetherness that they have between them.
"They love to spend time with each other, they love to play with each other, they love to play in front of our people and they really have that sense of belonging to the club. That's very powerful, I think."
Read the full story HERE.
Gunners receive injury update
Thomas Partey is expected to be fit for Arsenal's clash with Leeds, but centre-back William Saliba is still a doubt.
Partey has been on international duty with Ghana but did not come off the bench during their 1-1 draw with Angola on Monday after boss Chris Hughton revealed after the match that the midfielder was battling with "small injury issues".
The comments sparked fear among the Arsenal fanbase that one of their most important players would be missing, but Partey was pictured taking part in training on Thursday.
The same could not be said for Saliba, who missed the Gunners' last league outing against Crystal Palace with a back injury.
Find out more fitness news HERE.
Arsenal make Rice stance clear
The Gunners have been linked with West Ham skipper Declan Rice for some time now and The Evening Standard claim a deal is getting closer.
Those at the top of the Arsenal hierarchy are though to be growing in confidence that it is the Gunners who are in pole position to land the England star's signature.
The same reports suggests Arsenal could call on ex-Gunner Jack Wilshere, a close friend of Rice's after their time together in East London, to try and sway his decision.
