The international break finally comes to an end this week and everyone associated with Arsenal will continue to watch the action hoping for no injury worries. Mikel Arteta will need all his stars fit and ready for the final ten games of their Premier League title chase.
Starting with Leeds United this Saturday, the Gunners are vying to win their first league title in nearly two decades. The turnaround from last season's top-four misery has not been solely beneficial on luck with the style of play in north London being impressing.
Their challengers, Manchester City, have been here before and have contested in two title races with Liverpool in the past. Pep Guardiola's side are eight points behind Arsenal but are known for finding form at the end of a season.
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Right now, the Gunners' fortunes are in their own hands. With an eight point lead over City, Arteta's side simply have to continue their form before the international break which has seen them win their last six league games.
Following the return of Gabriel Jesus earlier this month, Arsenal will be hoping their players stay fit. Bukayo Saka returns from England duty unscathed after finding himself continually targeted by Italy and Ukraine.
Every finger at London Colney will be crossed tomorrow when Martin Odegaard's Norway take on Georgia. The Arsenal captain was on the receiving end of a worrying tackle from Manchester City's Rodri at the weekend but did play the full 90 minutes in Malaga.
"He's coming with his studs right on my ankle," Odegaard vented after the 3-0 loss. "But I'm sure I'll get punished [if I say anymore]. I don't bother saying anything else about the referee. It's better not to say anything."
Possibly the biggest injury concern ahead of this weekend's return to action is William Saliba. The colossal centre-back was called up by Didier Deschamps for France but was forced to withdraw with injury.
The 21-year-old sustained the injury in the Europa League tie with Sporting CP. "We hope Willy [Saliba] is going to be better news," Arteta said after Saliba was forced off. Again, we have to wait to tomorrow to get a better picture."
Saliba's injury severity is yet to be confirmed, though there are fears he could miss part of the season run-in. The same can not be said for Eddie Nketiah, who missed the last five games after suffering a setback of his own in the win over Everton. "He's still in the boot. He's still a few weeks away and we need to be patient," Arteta said.
"It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he's not in a bad place."
The impressive forward has given his own update on social media too. Alongside an image on Instagram he wrote: "Grafting! *muscle emoji* #SoonBack." He then added another image to his Instagram story with the caption: "Rehab crew, monster mentality *brain emoji* *finger point emoji*."
Over the weekend, Arsenal were handed a huge boost in Emile Smith Rowe's recovery. The winger, who is yet to start for the Gunners this season, scored for England under-21s on Saturday evening as they beat France 4-0.
“I’m really desperate to be honest. The team are doing really well and it’s something I want to be a part off," he told reporters. "I’m working hard everyday. Like I said, coming away here and getting minutes that I really need is really good for me.”
Arsenal are, so far, only without two senior players. Takehiro Tomiyasu was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an unfortunate injury against Sporting. A statement from the club read: "Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season. Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season."
Elsewhere midfielder Mohamed Elneny is still out with a long-term knee injury.
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