Arsenal XI vs Leeds: Havertz starts as Arteta reshapes midfield

Arsenal have named a strong starting XI for their Premier League trip to Elland Road, with Mikel Arteta making several decisive calls as the Gunners look to halt a three-match winless run against Leeds United.

Kai Havertz starts again after an encouraging midweek return, while key first-team regulars are restored following rotation in the Champions League.

Havertz is handed a Premier League start after featuring for the first time in almost a year against Kairat on Wednesday, where he delivered an immediate impact with a goal and an assist inside 15 minutes.

Arteta confirmed ahead of kick-off that the German is ready to shoulder league minutes again.

“He’s ready,” Arteta said on Friday. “There was no reaction to the last match and you could see straightaway the impact that he can have in the team.”

Havertz is deployed in midfield, with club captain Martin Ødegaard dropping to the bench. Viktor Gyökerescontinues to lead the line.

There is welcome defensive news for Arsenal, with William Saliba and Jurriën Timber both passed fit after missing the Champions League clash due to minor niggles.

They return alongside Gabriel Magalhães, while Piero Hincapié continues at left-back. Riccardo Calafiori, who logged 45 minutes midweek, is among the substitutes and could make his first league appearance since December.

Arteta has also brought back several senior figures who were rested in Europe. David Raya, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all return to the starting XI as Arsenal look to reassert control in the title race.

Max Dowman remains the only absentee through injury, meaning competition for places has again forced some first-team players to miss out on the matchday squad.

Arsenal XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard

Substitutes:
Kepa, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Ødegaard, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus

Injured: Dowman

Venue: Elland Road
Kick-off: 3pm GMT, Saturday 31 January 2026

Arsenal arrive in Yorkshire knowing that dropped points have allowed rivals to close the gap at the top. Having followed their recent league form closely, this fixture represents a chance to reset momentum before a decisive run of games.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions from Havertz’s reintegration, with load management still central to Arteta’s thinking.

After Leeds, Arsenal face a congested run across domestic and European competitions. Managing Havertz’s minutes and maintaining defensive stability will be crucial as the title race tightens.

Is this the XI that gets Arsenal’s title push back on track at Elland Road?