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Leeds brace for Arsenal trip with injury concerns and transfer buzz swirling

📅 October 5, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 5

Where things stand

The Whites are in the middle of an extended international break after their last Premier League outing ended in a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. With the top-flight action resuming next Saturday, Leeds must travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal — a side that came into the break having lost 3-0 to Brighton. Daniel Farke's men go into the game with a recent Premier League record of one win, three draws and one defeat from their last five matches.

Internationals on duty

Several Leeds stars have been representing their countries during the break. Goalkeeper James Trafford started for England against Spain and is expected to keep his place against Czechia, with manager Thomas Tuchel rotating him and Everton's Jordan Pickford across the Nations League games. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been in contention for England call-ups. Meanwhile, left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson played the full 90 minutes as Sweden beat Poland 3-1, with the Swede insisting his body is ready after a disrupted start to the season through injury. Defender Tarik Muharemovic impressed for Bosnia, earning man-of-the-match recognition in their Nations League win over Romania.

Injury concerns

Daniel Farke faces a notable selection headache heading into the Arsenal game. Joe Rodon remains unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury, which is a significant blow given that Farke has been operating with a back three. Winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya also picked up an injury while away with France Under-21s and is now set for a period on the sidelines. Harry Wilson, meanwhile, is still working back from the quad problem that ruled him out of the Crystal Palace match — he had been hoping to return after the break but further assessment is needed. Long-term absentee Mateo Joseph continues his recovery from an ACL injury and is not expected to feature.

On the brighter side, Arsenal's own injury list is lengthy. Winger Christos Tzolis suffered a hamstring problem during Greece's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, lasting just 18 minutes before being substituted. He is expected to miss the Leeds game, with reports suggesting around two to three weeks on the sidelines. Arsenal also have concerns over William Saliba, Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Cristhian Mosquera ahead of the clash.

Transfer talk

(RUMOUR) The biggest name generating buzz around Elland Road is defender Tarik Muharemovic, with reports emerging that Barcelona are among the clubs monitoring the 23-year-old Bosnia international, whose estimated value has risen to around €45 million. Leeds are said to be refusing to allow him to leave in January, but his form has attracted serious attention from European giants.

(RUMOUR) Chelsea midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk continues to be linked with a move to Elland Road. According to reports, Leeds made an initial loan proposal for the Ukrainian winger, which Chelsea rejected. However, talks are said to be ongoing and Mudryk himself is reportedly keen on the move to rebuild his match fitness. Leeds are expected to return with an improved offer.

(RUMOUR) A separate report claims Manchester United are weighing up whether to pursue a move for prolific Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in January, although no formal approach has been made. Leeds are said to be in no rush to make a decision on his long-term future, with his situation described as fluid as he effectively plays for his future at the club.

Sources