Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted the Gunners may have some underlying injury concerns ahead of their Sunday afternoon contest against Leeds United.
The Gunners were in Europa League action in midweek away in Norway, where they beat Bodø/Glimt 1-0 courtesy of Bukayo Saka's first half strike.
While Arteta and co rotated their starting XI heavily from the side that beat Liverpool last weekend, the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, William Saliba and Ben White all started alongside Saka.
READ MORE: Leeds United hoping to capitalise on Arsenal post-European away day trend this weekend
Additionally, the Spaniard also used Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Granit Xhaka from the bench. Star forward Gabriel Jesus was left out of Arsenal's match day squad entirely to be rested.
While Bodø/Glimt are certainly no pushovers, there's no doubt Arsenal would probably have preferred to get through their Thursday evening clash in Norway without having to use to many regular first team players.
It will be interesting to see who lines up against Leeds on Sunday afternoon at Elland Road given their midweek exploits. There could be plenty of tired legs in the Gunners camp.
And speaking in the aftermath of Arsenal's 1-0 away win, Arteta confirmed their were players who could not play against Bodø/Glimt due to 'issues' which forced them to have to use their first team regulars in Norway.
"We knew that it was going to be complicated," explained Arteta.
"As I said it’s 14 games consecutively that they’ve won here. They played at a different level today. But the team selection was as well because there were some players with other issues who could not start today."
READ NEXT:
- Arsenal head for Leeds United after reminder of unwanted Premier League record
- Good news for Leeds United's Lewis Bate after loan boss initially 'feared the worst'
- James Maddison among Leeds United's upcoming opponents walking disciplinary tightrope
- Referee from last season's Stamford Bridge controversy handed Leeds United vs Arsenal
- Leeds United must galvanise for pre-World Cup run as step up in class lurks around the corner
