Arsenal vs Leeds preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

Arsenal Team News

Touching first on those returning from suspension, Arsenal welcome back Bernd Leno from his red card at Wolves. That baffling decision has to be put past him now as despite Mat Ryan’s impressive debut in the defeat to Villa, the German will return between the sticks.

David Luiz has also served his one-match suspension and is back for Sunday. Gabriel filled in for him last time out and was the stronger of the two centre-backs on the day so it’s expected he’ll keep his place against Leeds.

Two key concerns for Arsenal are at left-back and central midfield, with Kieran Tierney initially thought to be in line for a return after four Premier League games absent and Thomas Partey aiming to recover having hobbled off 15 minutes from time against Villa.

Both are unavailable. The former won’t be back in training until next week and the latter may miss two weeks.

https://twitter.com/Kalvinphillips/status/1359106310818660352

Both legs against Benfica are of paramount importance and with both now likely to miss the opener, and Partey potentially the return leg, it severely stunts Arsenal’s chances of progression to the latter stages.

Aside from them, Alexandre Lacazette’s early second half substitution in the 1-0 defeat was tactical more than anything else and he is thought to be fit, while Pablo Mari and Dani Ceballos have fully recovered from their knocks.

As for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Kalvin Phillips did look set to miss out after being forced to come off in their win over Crystal Palace, although the player has since stated he hopes to return in time.

Pablo Hernandez and Rodrigo will face late fitness tests, although central defensive duo Robin Koch and Diego Llorente will miss out. As will Ian Poveda, who is a long-term absentee.