Arsenal make their long-awaited return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners sit eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but could see that gap reduced down to five before they kick off against the Whites, with Pep Guardiola's side in action at midday.
The first game back from the international break sees City take on Liverpool in a clash that has slightly less significant ramifications than usual. In recent seasons, City and Liverpool have been the two main teams challenging for the title, but Mikel Arteta's side have replaced Jurgen Klopp's men in that position and will be hoping the latter can do them a significant favour.
Heading into the fixture, there are some injury concerns for the Gunners, most notably regarding William Saliba. The Frenchman came off with a back problem against Sporting CP earlier this month and has not returned since, with Arteta confirming his unavailability for the weekend in his pre-match press conference.
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"He is progressing, unfortunately he still has some discomfort in his back," Arteta revealed on Friday. "We are trying to manage him in the best possible way. Unfortunately he’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying and he’s trying to do everything to feel better and get back training. But not yet."
Despite the confirmed absence of Saliba, the Gunners will likely still be firm favourites to beat a Leeds team who sit two points off the relegation zone and are missing a number of key players. Nonetheless, Arteta has sent a clear message to his players that Javi Gracia's side should not be underestimated despite their position in the table.
"Leeds have very particular DNA, how they behave, the character and the passion and energy they play with, they have been doing it for a long time," he added.
"Now with a new manager and new ideas, and players back from injuries they are a very dangerous team, we have discussed that openly and we are going to have be very good to beat them."
Speaking about Gracia, Arteta said: "He is a good coach, really, really dedicated, thoughtful and really clear in the way his team wants to play, he can carry it as well, he is very adaptable and has coached so many teams already at his age, that shows the quality he has."
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