Arsenal are desperate to get Saliba fit for the title run-in

THE international break probably came at the wrong moment for Arsenal, as the Gunners were looking impressive after a run of wins that cemented their position at the top of the Premier League.

Having his players spread out across Europe and even further afield has not been ideal for Mikel Arteta, whose side thrive on internal unity and day-to-day camaraderie.

Arsenal need them all to return with the same mindset as they left, with Leeds United heading to the Emirates Stadium. The visitors on Saturday afternoon may be part of the relegation picture but their rollercoaster journey over the last few years means they can be unpredictable performers capable of pulling shocks off against teams higher in the table.

Manchester City and Liverpool both know how this can work over the last couple of seasons.

It’s why Arteta has been desperately assessing the fitness of all the players who went away to play for their country – and some of those who were unable to

Top of the worry list is the status of William Saliba, who was crocked in the 4-1 win against Crystal Palace and forced to pull out of the French squad. He has been part of Arsenal’s new defensive resolve this season and up there among the contenders for a ‘player of the season’ award.

The serene centre back, however, now looks unlikely to play any part of the game against Leeds with Arsenal still not sure of the exact timeline of when he will return. Rob Holding is likely to deputise this weekend.

Another central plank of Arsenal’s success this term is Thomas Partey, but he has another injury concern which may leave him unable to start for the Gunners.

Partey has been like a new signing this season after an injury-wrecked start to life in north London. Statistics show. that the Gunners  always fare better when he is part of the midfield and the club sent its own physio to watch over him while he was away with Ghana.

He did not play against Angola with his national team coach, Chris Hughton, the former Spurs player and Brighton manager, talking about “small issues” with fitness.

Arteta and his top team have usually opted not to play Partey if there is any risk of exacerbating existing injuries and triggering a longer passage on the sidelines.