Massive Boost For Arsenal As Mikel Arteta Issues Injury Update On Defensive Duo

Mikel Arteta has provided some positive Arsenal injury news ahead of this weekend’s trip to Leeds United.

League leaders Arsenal head up to Yorkshire to face newly-promoted Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Gunners were beaten 3-2 at home last time out in the Premier League by a resurgent Manchester United.

That loss was Arsenal’s first at the Emirates this season, and reduced their lead at the top of the table to just four points.

A 3-2 win against Kairat Almaty in midweek meant Arsenal maintained a perfect Champions League record heading into the knockouts.

But while Wednesday’s win saw them welcome back Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori, they were still missing some key men.

No Concerns Over Timber And Saliba Fitness For Arsenal

Defensive duo Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were both unavailable in midweek due to injury.

The pair have been vital to Arsenal once again this season, so their absence would have worried fans.

Neither player trained on Tuesday, prompting speculation over the severity of their issues.

Next up in Europe: the knockouts

Find out who we could face in the Champions League Round of 16

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2026

But Gunners boss Arteta has downplayed any concerns, stating the two defenders just had ‘slight niggles’.

Timber and Saliba are both now back in training and available for the weekend’s trip to Leeds.

“Yeah, they are okay,” confirmed Arteta during Friday’s press conference.

“They have played a lot of minutes, and were carrying a few niggles, and it was a great opportunity [to rest them].”

The returning Kai Havertz, meanwhile, was handed 45 minutes by Arteta against Kairat.

But the Gunners boss insisted the German attacker is fit to start on Saturday if required.

“He is ready,” said Arteta.

“He started the other day. It has been a long period, but there was no reaction.

And with Calafiori also back in the side, Arsenal’s squad is beginning to look far healthier.

Back at home ️ pic.twitter.com/7HaB8y8RX4

— Kai Havertz (@kaihavertz29) January 28, 2026

The return of several key players cannot come at a better time for the league leaders.

As the season enters a critical phase, it is vital for Arsenal to keep their momentum going and maintain their challenge.

Recent seasons have shown how quickly Arsenal’s Premier League title race nerves can get the better of them, especially when injuries mount up.

So Timber and Saliba only suffering slight knocks will be a huge boost for worried fans.

Elsewhere, Arsenal also announced on Friday that 16-year-old starlet Max Dowman has signed a pre-agreement.

This means he will sign his first professional contract with the club when he turns 17 in December.