Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will be gambling on late fitness tests to two of their key players ahead of today's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been out of action in recent games, with the Gunners hoping the pair can return to the side to face Jesse Marsch's side. Given Arteta's men currently sit top of the pile, the clash in South Yorkshire presents the chance to go four points clear of Manchester City ahead of a huge encounter for Pep Guardiola's side against Liverpool.
Eddie Nketiah could perhaps lead the line, with there also a question as to why starts in defence. Here at football.london bring you all the very latest ahead of Arsenal's next Premier League clash...
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Emile Smith Rowe
Return date: December
Emile Smith Rowe has only featured four times as a substitute this season and looks increasingly likely to miss the trip to Leeds tomorrow too. Withdrawn with a groin injury as of late, the 22-year-old has made little impact so far.
Manager Arteta provided his latest update on September 30, adding: "We put all the alternatives on the table and the thing is we have tried some others during the last few months and they haven’t really worked to the point the player wasn’t comfortable and consistently at his best to perform.
"We decided to take that route and that it was the best decision. We had to make a decision because we could not continue the uncertainty as to whether we have him, or have him with certain conditions.''
Gabriel Jesus
Return date: Leeds (a)
Missing out in the trip to Norway in midweek, Gabriel Jesus has been photographed travelling with the Arsenal squad ahead of today's game with Leeds. Withdrawn against Liverpool after a nasty collision, Arteta provided this update just days ago.
"I don’t know, obviously he has some discomfort after the game against Liverpool,'' he began. "That’s why we decided not to bring him in [to Norway], so let's see how he is tomorrow and Saturday."
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Return date: Leeds (a)
Having not featured since the North London Derby, Ukrainian international Zinchenko looks set to miss out on a place in the starting XI through a suspected injury to his calf - though there is a chance of him returning to the squad.
''I think [he is a doubt, along with Gabriel Jesus]. I don’t know; he has not been on the pitch yet. So, we have to be a little bit calm.''
Mohamed Elneny
Return date: Unknown
Having sustained a nasty thigh injury in the 2-1 win over Fulham, Mohamed Elneny looks likely to miss the next few months for the Gunners. Arteta had this to say when quizzed on the Egyptian's fitness most recently.
''With Mo, it’s probably a little bit easier, and we are talking months.''
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