Leeds United news as Mikel Arteta addresses Arsenal…

Leeds United news as Mikel Arteta addresses Arsenal artificial turf concerns for Bodo/Glimt trip

Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Thursday, 13 October.

Arteta on injury risk

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted there is a risk of injury for his players on artificial turf against Bodo/Glimt this evening. The Gunners head to the Norwegian side for their third Europa League group match just three days before the trip to Leeds United.

Arsenal will have to adapt to something they do not encounter often in England by playing on an artificial pitch. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta claims they have prepared as well as they possibly can to ensure the players are protected.

He said: “We don’t know. A player can get injured on an artificial pitch, in a training session. We have done what we have to do to try to protect the players as much as we can, but at the end of the day tomorrow for sure we have 11 players on the pitch.

“Obviously everyone is aware that a lot of things are different. The speed is different, the way you can use the grass is different. We have to adapt to it. We know we have to win the game and tomorrow night for sure we’re going to play on an artificial pitch.”

Big week ahead

The month of October was always going to be key for Leeds United and Jesse Marsch. United made a reasonable start to the season and they left last month’s international break behind with the intention of building on that and securing some more valuable points on the board.

The Premier League grinds to a halt in just over four weeks’ time and Leeds are two games into an eight-match spell that could have big consequences on the rest of their season. Of course, given the stage of the campaign, this period is far from make or break, but the last thing Leeds want is to enter the World Cup break with the pressure of another relegation battle looming over them.

Marsch will have seven weeks to reflect on the season so far and prepare for what’s ahead while a handful of his players compete in Qatar and doing so from a position of comfort will certainly help when it comes to his clarity of thought. Relegation anxiety wouldn’t be welcomed and while Leeds cannot guarantee safety in this time, they can build enough of a cushion to put themselves at relative ease.

Gnonto gives Marsch food for thought

Wilfried Gnonto is still waiting for the opportunity to show Premier League fans what he can do. Arriving at Elland Road on transfer deadline day last month, Gnonto has been selected in two Leeds United matchday squads, but so far Jesse Marsch has not turned his way.

However, his performances for the Whites’ Under-21s have been enough to suggest a senior debut might not be too far away for the Italy international, who turns 19 next month. The forward has enjoyed three run outs with Michael Skubala’s side so far and he has managed to catch the eye in each of them.

Marsch was in attendance for his first appearance in the 6-2 win over Southampton, exciting a sizeable crowd on the night he received his latest call-up from Roberto Mancini. Gnonto was then selected to make a Papa John’s Trophy appearance last week against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.