Arsenal star set to be available for Leeds after being spotted in training

Arsenal will return to Premier League action against Leeds on Saturday knowing an immediate response is required after the Brighton setback.

Mikel Arteta’s side had won their opening four league matches before Brighton delivered a sharp reality check at the Amex Stadium.

The 3-0 defeat was Arsenal’s heaviest in the Premier League for more than three years and exposed a side which looked unusually vulnerable under pressure.

The international break has at least given Arteta time to study what went wrong.

Arsenal remain second after collecting 12 points from their first five games, and that position remains healthy, but there is little room for another flat display at home.

Victory over Leeds would quickly restore confidence and ensure the Brighton setback does not grow into something more damaging.

However, Saturday’s visitors should not be underestimated.

REUTERS/Cathal Mcnaughton

Daniel Farke’s team have made an excellent start and remain unbeaten in the league. Two wins and three draws have taken Leeds to nine points, leaving them only three behind Arsenal.

They have also conceded just three goals, suggesting Arsenal may need to be patient against a side capable of making the afternoon uncomfortable.

Recent history heavily favours the Gunners.

Arsenal won both league meetings without conceding last season and have now beaten Leeds in seven consecutive Premier League encounters.

Arteta’s preparations have been complicated by several fitness concerns following the international break.

Christos Tzolis suffered a hamstring problem while playing for Greece, while Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Ezri Konsa have all required attention.

Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Konsa is reportedly dealing with a dead leg and remains doubtful for the weekend.

There is at least some encouraging news in defence.

Arsenal handed Cristhian Mosquera boost as Mikel Arteta prepares for Leeds test

Standard Sport reporter Matt Verri has revealed that Cristhian Mosquera is set to be available to face Leeds.

Ben White is also on course to return, giving Arteta more room to make changes across his back line.

Villa Park was the scene of Mosquera’s last appearance, with the defender unable to continue after picking up a muscle problem during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory in August.

He subsequently sat out five matches in all competitions, although there were positive signs when he travelled with the squad for the defeat at Brighton.

Mosquera was not selected for the matchday group on the south coast, but his presence alongside his teammates suggested that a comeback was getting closer.

He has since been back on the training pitch and now looks ready to rejoin the squad.

William Saliba is still working his way back from a long-term back injury, while the doubt surrounding Konsa could have left Arsenal short of their preferred options in central defence.

Arteta must now decide whether Mosquera is ready to start immediately or whether a place on the bench would be the safer approach after his absence.

Even if he is eased back into action, having both Mosquera and White available would strengthen Arsenal’s hand considerably.

Leeds have already shown they can frustrate Premier League opponents this season, so Arsenal will need control, patience and much, much greater defensive security than they managed at Brighton.