Mikel Arteta has ruled Christos Tzolis out of Arsenal's match against Leeds United on Saturday, and will wait until the day to decide whether Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa are fit. The Premier League champions host Leeds at the Emirates at 12:30 BST, live on TNT Sports in the UK, in their first league game since the 3-0 defeat at Brighton on 19 September.

It is also the first match since Arsenal announced, on Wednesday 7 October, that Arteta has signed a new contract until June 2030.

What Arteta said about the injuries

Arteta spoke at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The accounts below come from football.london, Daily Cannon and Pain in the Arsenal, which reported it as it happened. We have not been able to check them against the club's own transcript.

Tzolis was hurt on international duty with Greece. Daily Cannon and Pain in the Arsenal both quote Arteta saying he has a muscle injury and will be out for a few weeks. William Saliba is also still out, with a back injury, football.london reported.

Havertz went off after 30 minutes of Germany's draw with the Netherlands and left the camp with what the German federation called a muscle strain. According to football.london, Arteta said he had spoken to Germany, who sent the player back as normal. Konsa pulled out of the England squad before the win over Czechia after feeling discomfort, football.london said, and Arteta said Arsenal had good communication with the England camp.

Kai and Ezri we will see tomorrow.

Mikel Arteta, pre-match press conference, Friday 9 October, as reported by football.london

Declan Rice also pulled out of England duty, and football.london said the reason was load management. Arteta said Arsenal have to manage him because of a few issues since the World Cup, and that he hoped Rice would be available. Max Dowman, who withdrew from England Under-19 duty, is fit enough to be in the squad, according to football.london.

Daily Cannon, using photographs from Arsenal's website, said Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Piero Hincapié were back in training. That shows they trained, not that they will be selected.

Leeds arrive fifth and unbeaten

After five games Leeds have nine points, with two wins, three draws and no defeats. Arsenal have 12, three behind Manchester City, who have won all five. Leeds drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace before the break.

Daniel Farke said Daniel James is out with a back injury picked up on Wales duty. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (ankle) and Harry Wilson (a muscle injury, back in team training since Tuesday) both have a chance of being available, and Joe Rodon remains in rehabilitation, according to Leeds United's website. Farke described Leeds as the underdog, and said he expects the Emirates to be buzzing after the announcement of Arteta's contract.

Arsenal's record against Leeds

Arsenal won both league meetings last season: 5-0 at the Emirates in August 2025 and 4-0 at Elland Road on 31 January 2026. Farke has described Arsenal as more or less the only team Leeds had no chance against last season.

What comes next

Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday 13 October, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.