Leeds United have almost a week to prepare for their trip to Arsenal, but Daniel Farke already faces a few selection problems.
The international break has not been kind to either side, with injuries adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of the Emirates clash.
For Leeds, the biggest concern is Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who has picked up an injury while away with France Under-21s. Harry Wilson is also still working his way back from the problem that kept him out against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal also have a growing list of concerns.
Five players are expected to miss the game, with seven more in doubt, although the situation could change significantly once both squads return to full training.
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Two absentees confirmed for Leeds
Joe Rodon remains unavailable for Leeds after suffering a hamstring injury. His absence is particularly important because Farke has been using a back three, leaving the manager with one fewer senior option in that department.
Mateo Joseph is the other definite Leeds absentee. The striker’s knee injury is expected to keep him out until the new year.
The other cases are less clear.
Wilson missed the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace because of a muscle problem and subsequently withdrew from the Wales squad. He remains a doubt for Arsenal, but the extended break gives him valuable recovery time.
Then there is Bahoya.
The summer signing has enjoyed plenty of international exposure with France Under-21s since joining Leeds, and has been building up valuable minutes after a slow start at Elland Road. Leeds confirmed he played 66 minutes against Iceland earlier in the break.
His latest fitness problem, however, means Farke will now have to wait for further assessments before knowing whether the winger can feature against Arsenal.
That would be an unfortunate blow for a player who was beginning to find his rhythm.
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Arsenal’s injury list is bigger
Arsenal currently have more players to worry about, although several are not expected to be long-term problems.
William Saliba is one of the clearer absentees. The defender is still recovering from a back problem and is not expected to return before December.
Christos Tzolis is another major concern after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty. He is currently expected to be out for around two to three weeks, putting the Leeds fixture in serious doubt.
Kai Havertz is also dealing with an injury after leaving Germany duty early, although Arsenal are still assessing the problem.
Several players could still make it.
Declan Rice withdrew from England duty, but his issue is not thought to be serious. Martin Odegaard also suffered a knock but was able to play for Norway, which is a major positive for Mikel Arteta.
Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are also being monitored, while Piero Hincapie remains a doubt despite being involved in Arsenal’s squad before the international break.
Arsenal have several players carrying knocks, but some could return to training this week and prove their fitness well before Saturday.
Farke has a selection headache
For Leeds, Rodon’s absence is the biggest defensive issue, while Wilson and Bahoya are the two attacking players to watch.
Farke also faces an intriguing selection question.
Jaka Bijol impressed during the international break and could now have a strong claim to start against Arsenal, particularly with Rodon unavailable.
The same applies to the attacking positions if Wilson returns.
There is still plenty of time for the picture to change, but both managers will be desperate for a quiet few days once their international players return.
