Mikel Arteta has revealed the extent of issues facing Arsenal ahead of their brilliant 4-1 win against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice in his first Premier League start since November after coming in to replace Bukayo Saka in the starting XI. Ben White left the Gunners' warm-up early as concerns about a potential injury circulated before he returned to the pitch to score a key goal in the game and complete the full 90 minutes.
Granit Xhaka scored his second goal in as many games to secure the three points as Arsenal responded to City's win against Liverpool in the early kick-off. Arteta's side continue to defy expectations heading into the final nine games of the season, but injuries and illness threaten to derail their title challenge.
READ MORE: Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City in title race
Speaking after the win against Leeds, Arteta detailed the issues his squad were facing in their preparations for the return to Premier League action. The Arsenal boss said: "Yeah [sickness bug in the squad] and other issues with international players and a player that we had here.
"It happens. It was part of the context of the game. We used in the right way. Players are so willing to step up and play in any context and it’s great," he added.
Bukayo Saka was left out of the starting XI against Leeds after struggling with illness earlier this week after Arteta explained his decision to start Jesus. Before kick-off, the Spaniard said: "He [Saka] wasn’t able to train yesterday as he wasn’t well but today he feels a little bit better, so we’ve put Gabby [Jesus] in.
"He [Jesus] brings a lot of energy, quality, movement & chaos. He’s a player we’ve been missing & it’s good to have him back.”
Jesus rewarded his manager with two goals in the game as he continues to build up his match fitness and sharpness ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. William Saliba is yet to return to action as he recovers from a back injury, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu's absence leaves just Ben White as the club's only senior right-back.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal line-ups vs Leeds United as Gabriel Jesus starts, Trossard dropped and Holding steps up
What Gabriel Jesus did to hand Mikel Arteta major Leandro Trossard Arsenal dilemma for Leeds
Latest Arsenal injury news as seven miss Leeds United with Thomas Partey update
What 'forgotten' Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe said about Mikel Arteta ahead of transfer audition
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Gabriel Jesus dilemma, William Saliba worry, Nicolas Pepe claim
