Havertz, Rice and Konsa start as Arsenal handed Leeds fitness boost

Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa have all been cleared to start for Arsenal against Leeds United, handing Mikel Arteta a major pre-match lift after each returned from international duty carrying fitness concerns.

Arsenal receive triple fitness boost

Rice had withdrawn from the England squad as Arsenal managed his workload, while Havertz picked up a hamstring complaint with Germany. Konsa also departed the England camp early after suffering a dead leg.

The three players had remained doubts after they were absent from Arsenal training images on Thursday, but Arteta has selected each of them from the outset for the Premier League meeting with Leeds.

Arteta said Rice’s physical condition had required careful handling after the midfielder’s demanding recent schedule.

“He has had a few problems since returning from the World Cup, and we know how many matches he has played across the last three years,” Arteta said. “It was the sensible decision, and hopefully he and other doubtful players would be available.”

Selection calls across the Arsenal side

• Ben White starts at right-back against Leeds, where he previously spent time on loan.
• Myles Lewis-Skelly partners Rice in midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes left out of the starting side.
• Noni Madueke is selected on the left ahead of Eberechi Eze.
• Viktor Gyokeres begins among the substitutes despite scoring four times in four Sweden appearances during the break.
• Christos Tzolis is expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring injury.

Havertz leads the line in Arteta’s 4-2-3-1, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Madueke operating behind him. Konsa comes into the defence alongside Gabriel.

Confirmed line-ups

What happens next

Arsenal now test the fitness of their returning internationals in a key Premier League outing, while Leeds line up with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading their attack.