Mikel Arteta given green light to make 'ideal' Arsenal change vs Leeds as injury puzzle solved

Viktor Gyokeres looks set to make his first start of the Premier League season when Arsenal face Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta has been told 'there's no better time' to hand Viktor Gyokeres his first start of the Premier League season. The 28-year-old striker could lead the frontline when Arsenal face Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Kai Havertz somewhat of a doubt.

The 27-year-old forward suffered a knock during a clash against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League last week, following a knee-high challenge from Quinten Timber. Havertz appeared to have only sustained an impact injury, but the German Football Association later announced that he had suffered a 'muscle strain'.

He subsequently withdrew from Jurgen Klopp's squad and returned to the Sobha Realty Training Centre for further tests. Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Gunners boss was asked for an update, during which he claimed Havertz will undergo a late fitness test.

With the former Chelsea star potentially unavailable, Gyokeres could finally make his first start of the Premier League season. Paul Dickov has urged Arteta to roll the dice, backing the Sweden international to prove his quality.

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"I do think Gyokeres has a future with Arsenal," said the former Arsenal striker. "A lot of people questioned him last season as well, about whether he was going to be that 20-goal-a-season man.

"And even without playing all the time, he hit that mark in all competitions. He's maybe been slightly unfortunate with Kai Havertz's form at the start of the season, because I do think Kai's looked really good in that sort of false role that he plays.

"Kai's big, he's strong, he's quick, he's got great movement. And up until the Brighton game, Arsenal were winning games with Kai being used in that formation.

"If what I'm reading is true, Kai Havertz has picked up an injury on international duty, so he might not play against Leeds. This could be the ideal time to put Viktor in there.

"There's no better time to come in than when your confidence is high after scoring in four games for your country and then coming back to your club to carry it on. It could be a great opportunity to get him back in the starting line-up."

Gyokeres made an excellent impression during the international break. The Swede scored in each of his country's four Nations League games, winning three and drawing one.

He also scored in each of his two meetings with Leeds United last season, firing Arsenal to a 5-0 win at the Emirates Stadium and a 4-0 win at Elland Road. If given the opportunity, Gyokeres will be desperate to pick up where he left off.

Paul Dickov was speaking exclusively to 247Bet.