Arsenal boss Arteta provides injury boost ahead of tough trip to Leeds 

Mikel Arteta has been previewing Arsenal's visit to Elland Road to take on Leeds United this weekend  

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking at his Friday press conference at London Colney this morning.

Premier League table toppers Arsenal make the long trip to Yorkshire to take on Daniel Farke's Leeds United at the weekend - with Arteta confirming William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are available for selection for the trip to Elland Road.

Arteta said: "No, we didn't have any surprises there [from Wednesday]."Yeah they are okay. They have played a lot of minutes, and were carrying a few niggles and it was a great opportunity [to rest them]."

With the news breaking that Arsenal have confirmed Max Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement ahead of the talented teenager signing his first pro deal when he turns 17 in December, Arteta underlined his pleasure.

The Gunners boss said: "Yeah it was a proud moment to see him signing that deal. Credit to all the people who are involved in bringing him all the way to the first team."

With Arsenal beating Kairat Almaty to make it eight wins out of eight, Arteta reflected on the week, that started with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at the Emirates to make it three league games without a victory. 

He said: Reflecting on the week: "Just understanding where you are when you lose a game. The players are so competitive and reaching for excellence.

"My role is to bring reality to the team. We are in February in a position which is so different to find. We are doing so well, we want to improve in every area."

With Kai Havertz scoring his first goal in nearly 12 months follwing two serious hamstring injuries, the German striker appears to be back fit and firing. 

Speaking about Havertz, Arteta said: "Yeah he started the other day, it's been a long period. Now we need to manage his load. There was no reaction to that [his knee] and now we hope he can help the team."

Arteta also spoke about captain Martin Odegaard's form, saying: "So, those are the numbers but we have to give the full numbers. He is playing less numbers than any other season. We want him effecting things in the areas that we know he can."