Leeds faces Arsenal: Bukayo Saka sustains injury during warmups, Martin Ødegaard omitted as Kai Havertz takes the field.
Kai Havertz has been given his first Premier League start in a year by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has opted to place captain Martin Ødegaard on the bench for the match against Leeds United.
Bukayo Saka, on the other hand, sustained an injury during warmups and has been substituted in the starting lineup by Noni Madueke. Saka appeared to be clutching his groin as he exited the field prior to the match.
Arsenal seeks to extend their four-point advantage at the top of the standings on Saturday, and Arteta has restored Viktor Gyökeres to his position as starting striker, replacing Gabriel Jesus.
In midfield, the notable change is Havertz for Ødegaard, with the German international having performed well in his start against Kairat in the Champions League on Wednesday following a significant injury absence.
Sources have informed ESPN that Ødegaard is not injured, and that the choice is tactical.
Havertz, who last began a league match for Arsenal on February 2, 2025, will play in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi, with Ødegaard and summer acquisition Eberechi Eze on the bench.
During his news conference on Friday, Arteta defended Ødegaard’s statistics for the 2025-26 season (one goal in 24 matches across all competitions).
“Those are the figures, but we must also consider the complete statistics,” Arteta stated.
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“He has played significantly fewer minutes than in any other season due to three injuries, that’s the reality. We aim to enhance that, for sure; we want him to influence the game in areas where we can secure victories. But you know Martin and his work ethic every single day; I have no doubt that will come.”
When asked if the midfielder tends to drop deep too often, Arteta responded: “It’s somewhat in his nature, and my inclination is to go in the opposite direction.”
“However, we must also respect the qualities and talents of players, and within that framework, they should feel free in attack, particularly to do what they believe is best.”
Information from ESPN’s James Olley was utilized in this report.
