Daniel Farke provides Leeds injury update and sends Mikel Arteta classy Arsenal message

Daniel Farke handed Mikel Arteta his flowers when he faced the press ahead of this weekend's clash between Arsenal and Leeds United

Daniel Farke has provided an injury update ahead of Leeds United's clash against Arsenal. The West Yorkshire outfit could be without a few big names when they face Mikel Arteta's side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Harry Wilson suffered a muscle injury in the build-up to the goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Elland Road just before the international break, subsequently withdrawing from the Wales squad. Then, Jean-Matteo Bahoya sustained an ankle problem while away with the France Under-21s, forcing him to pack up his bags and leave.

In the meantime, Joe Rodon has been nursing a hamstring injury, which he suffered at the end of August, when Farke's side came from behind to salvage a draw with Brentford. According to our colleagues at Leeds Live, the defender was initially given a return date of up to 10 weeks, essentially ruling him out of action until November, thus missing the trip down to north London.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, the Whites boss provided an update on his squad. Farke said: "Rodon is on his way back in his rehab, [making] good progress. Individual sessions, but a bit until team training.

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"James [is] out with a back injury. Jean-Matteo [is] back with [an] ankle strain. [It was his] first time today with training. [He] could make Arsenal. [We] will have to see how [Harry] Wilson reacts."

Then, when quizzed on the reigning Premier League champions, Farke said: "[Arsenal] deserved [the] title last season. [They] were in the Champions League final. Flawless before the Brighton game.

"[They are] likely to be more on it and react to defeat on Saturday. We travel knowing Arsenal are such a good team. We have a chance to show how far we've come over the last months.

"They were the only team last year where we were nowhere near having a good game. [I] expect [the] stadium will be buzzing because of Mikel's contract."

When asked whether he could soon put pen to paper on new terms, like Arteta did this week at the Emirates Stadium, Farke said: "I have no news. Just compliments for Paraag [Marathe, the Leeds chairman] - [it's a] joy to work with him.

"Congratulations to Mikel Arteta, what he has done is very impressive. I remember when he took over, they were struggling. The winning mentality he has implemented is very impressive."

Brighton stormed past Arsenal just before the international break, denting Arteta's hopes of defending the title. When quizzed on the Seagulls' display, Farke said: "It's important to learn from it.

"When you analyse, when you park the bus, sometimes Arsenal scores. Brighton tried to press them and had many good scenes.

"We have to bring this to the table. Arsenal still had 60 per cent possession and more xG, but didn't feel Brighton played them out of the park..."