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Arsenal injury news: Tzolis appears just fine, Gyokeres eyes Havertz's spot, Saliba looms

Arsenal injury news: Tzolis appears just fine, Gyokeres eyes Havertz's spot, Saliba looms

Christos Tzolis was substituted off in Greece's recent international match against the Netherlands. At first, the images that were released to those not watching the match seemed quite damning. However, the more we see, the more assured we are that Tzolis isn't seriously harmed.

First off, Greek national team coach Ivan Jovanovic had some promising comments for Arsenal fans. "I didn’t have any reason [to keep him on], to be honest," said Jovanovic. "These aren’t qualifying matches - they’re Nations League fixtures - and, first and foremost, I wanted to protect the player. He didn’t want to stay by my side to come off; instead, he went to defend the corner."

From this, we learn two things: firstly, Tzolis is a beast. Akin to some other Arsenal players, he is willing to play through mild discomfort. Secondly, Jovanovic has his players' best interests at heart, which will mean plenty to Arsenal fans given Tzolis' involvement in the Greek squad.

Then, when he was subbed off, Tzolis remained in high spirits. He ran off the pitch; he didn't limp, and he didn't seem to be in much discomfort, if any, as he made his way to the dugout.

All in all, the signs are encouraging for Arsenal fans regarding Tzolis. Of course, we will have to wait for Arsenal's official diagnosis, but until then, it doesn't seem like the Greek camp is stressing over him right now.

Arsenal face Leeds next Saturday. It's then a quick turnaround before their second Champions League game of the season against Lille. Without a doubt, Arsenal will want Tzolis fit for one of them - if not both.

Tzolis wants to play, and in many ways, Arsenal will want him to play. They made the mistake of selling two players and signing one in return, which adds extra weight to this injury scare.

Thankfully, though, the early signs of Tzolis' status are looking positive.

Kai Havertz has already picked up an injury on international duty, which doesn't bode well for Mikel Arteta and his plans for the front line. Thankfully, though, the expectation is that Havertz won't be ruled out long-term. He could even return to face Leeds next weekend, but Mikel Arteta might err on the side of caution with that one.

Luckily, Viktor Gyokeres has found his goal-scoring boots with Sweden, in form that will hopefully carry over to Arsenal. Either way, the same front three that headed into the international break won't be the same front three that comes out of it.

Gyokeres has started the season poorly, but confidence can come and go. We saw last season that when the floodgates begin to open for the Swede, he tends to capitalise.

Arsenal fans shouldn't give up on a player who clearly hasn't given up on himself.

One player that Arsenal are certainly missing is William Saliba. Summer signing Ezri Konsa is doing a fantastic job, but nobody can take away the security Saliba provides.

According to L'Equipe, Saliba has been making progress in his injury rehab plan. He has recently moved from cycling to running in his return to training, and he's had hours of physiotherapy, with Arsenal exercising caution over his return to action.

Of course, Saliba is focused on returning to 100% status before he puts on the Arsenal shirt again. He has been impressed with both his replacements - Konsa for Arsenal and Jeremy Jacquet for Liverpool.

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