Arsenal injury update: Christos Tzolis, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz latest news and return dates

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of several key players as they prepare for a return to Premier League action a week on Saturday.

Due to a change to the length of the first international break this season, three weeks will have passed from the 3-0 loss to Brighton when Arsenal host Leeds at the Emirates Stadium in a lunchtime kick-off.

The Gunners will hope to have Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White available for selection, but their injury issues remain with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz among those being forced to withdraw from international duty.

Christos Tzolis

Arsenal’s newest injury fear concerns Tzolis, who suffered a suspected hamstring issue shortly after having a goal ruled out for offside during the early stages of Greece’s eventful 2-2 Nations League draw with the Netherlands in Thessaloniki on Thursday night.

It was a huge concern to see the £34million summer signing from Club Brugge receiving treatment with his shirt over his face, though footage of him jogging off after only 18 minutes appeared to allay at least some worries over the severity of the issue, with Greece boss Ivan Jovanovic claiming that he initially refused to be substituted.

Potential return date: Unknown, pending further assessment

Early change: Christos Tzolis played only 18 minutes for Greece against the Netherlands

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Martin Odegaard

The Arsenal captain said the challenge - which came from behind after he had already played the ball away - “doesn’t belong on a football field” as he angrily confronted Silva and was seen shouting “f**k you” repeatedly in his direction.

Business as usual: Norway captain Martin Odegaard played the full game against Wales

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Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)

Ezri Konsa

Konsa started and played the full 90 minutes in England’s dramatic 3-2 Nations League defeat by Spain at Wembley last Saturday.

However, the Football Association (FA) confirmed on Monday morning that the defender - along with Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly - was not training with the main squad ahead of the flight to Prague, where Thomas Tuchel’s side faced the Czech Republic on Tuesday evening.

Instead, Konsa followed his own individual programme at Tottenham’s training ground in Enfield.

The encouraging sign is that Konsa was on the bench in Prague and has made the trip to Croatia for this weekend’s showdown. O’Reilly, however, has withdrawn.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)

Kai Havertz

The forward left the pitch with a hamstring issue after being caught by a high challenge from Quinten Timber - brother of his Arsenal team-mate Jurrien - in the first half.

Concern: Kai Havertz was injured during Germany’s Nations League draw against the Netherlands

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Potential return date: Unknown, pending further assessment

Declan Rice

Rice has struggled with niggling injuries over the past 12 months, including neural and nerve pain in his hamstring.

It’s not believed that the midfielder is currently carrying an injury, rather he is being given some rest at Arsenal in preparation for some huge games coming up.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)

Piero Hincapie

Hincapie was left out of Ecuador’s squad for the current international window amid ongoing fitness concerns.

The left-sided defender has only started once for Arsenal across all competitions this season and missed out completely against Ipswich in the Carabao Cup.

Setback: Piero Hincapie has not joined up with the Ecuador squad

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It is unclear as to how serious the issue is, though a three-week break quite possibly came at the ideal time for Hincapie.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)

Ben White

White picked up a groin issue in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on September 12, subsequently missing the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich three days later.

The defender, not named in the England squad, was thought be in contention for the showdown against Brighton following comments from Arteta during his pre-match press conference.

“Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody,” Arteta said.

Sidelined: Ben White was absent for Arsenal against Brighton

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However, White was not in the matchday squad against his former club, meaning Rice and Martin Zubimendi had to share right-back duties after Timber went off in the second half.

Though, taking Arteta's pre-Brighton update into consideration, White should be fine after the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)

Cristhian Mosquera

Mosquera has been out of action since he was forced off in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa on August 31, and has now missed Arsenal's last five matches across all competitions, including the loss to Brighton.

Spotted in his tracksuit, Mosquera then watched the warm-ups from the touchline, as the extra man often does for the Gunners.

Boost: Cristhian Mosquera is believed to be closing in on a return from his muscle injury

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The extended international break should give Mosquera a chance to fully recover from the muscle issue.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Leeds (h)

William Saliba

Arsenal’s defensive strength, even without Saliba, had been evident right up until the Brighton game.

The good news is the defender doesn't need surgery, but it may be after the November international break before he is back in action.

Making progress: William Saliba is a long-term absentee for Arsenal

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A statement released in July read: “Specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.

“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.

“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.”