Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, valued at a combined £61m, are fit to play against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. This news comes as a relief for Arsenal fans as the team is currently on a three-match winless streak in the league.
The Gunners recently suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at their home ground, Emirates Stadium. Arteta will be seeking a strong response from his team when they face off against Leeds at Elland Road this weekend.
Ahead of this crucial game, Arteta has provided some positive updates regarding two key players' fitness levels.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, said:
“They are OK, obviously they have been playing a lot of minutes. They have been carrying a few niggles. It was a really good opportunity (against Kairat) to offload them a little bit and refresh them.”
Saliba and Timber ready to play
Saliba and Timber were absent from the matchday squad during Arsenal's midweek Champions League game against Kairat Almaty due to minor injuries or 'niggles'. However, during today’s press conference, Arteta revealed that both defenders are now fit. Their absence from the Kairat game was seen as an opportunity to give them some rest.
Saliba has been instrumental in strengthening Arsenal's defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes since his £27 million signing. He is expected to return alongside Brazilian centre-back Magalhaes in tomorrow's match.
Timber was signed for £34m from Ajax in 2023 and has been consistently starting at right-back when fit. The Dutchman is also anticipated to return to his usual position against Leeds United.
Tricky challenge ahead despite recent record
Despite having an impressive recent record with seven consecutive wins over Leeds, Arsenal faces a challenging task ahead given their hosts' recent form. Leeds have lost only one out of their last ten league games which includes draws against Liverpool (twice) and Manchester United, and a victory over Chelsea at Elland Road. Arsenal will need to improve their performance in the final third of the pitch. They have not managed to score a single goal from open play during their last three league matches.
In addition, despite winning 3-2 against Kairat midweek, Arsenal squandered eight significant opportunities. The team must be more clinical with their chance conversion if they hope to overcome Leeds. A win against Leeds could temporarily put Arsenal seven points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the table. However, this won't be an easy task as Leeds have only conceded 13 league goals (in 11 games) on home turf this season.
While Arteta's confirmation about Saliba and Timber's fitness is good news for Arsenal fans, it remains to be seen whether these key players' return can help turn around the Gunners' recent form.
