Arteta Backs Academy Star Dowman and Confirms Havertz Fitness Ahead of Leeds Trip

Mikel Arteta faced the media at Arsenal’s Sobha Training Centre on Friday morning as the Gunners prepare to respond to their Premier League defeat against Manchester United. Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Leeds United at Elland Road, a fixture Arteta knows will present a demanding test.

Here is what the Arsenal manager had to say.

Arteta on where Dowman ranks among Arsenal’s academy players

“Certainly one of the best. What he’s done with us at the age of 15, personally, I haven’t seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that. He certainly has that quality, but not only that he has a certain charisma as well and a personality where he doesn’t get overwhelmed.”

Arteta on Kai Havertz’s impact on Arsenal’s attack

“We have different characteristics with the nines. But Kai can also play in different positions. His main quality is that he makes you better the way he moves, communicates, gives you information and drags players around. He’s a very difficult player to mark, and especially, he opens up a lot of spaces for the rest of the players. I think they’re going to be very happy to have him around.”

Arteta on whether Havertz is fit to face Leeds

“He is ready. Obviously, he started the other day after a long period, and now we need to manage that load and the games we select for him to start. But there was no reaction to that, it was super positive. You could see straight away the impact he can have on the team. So yes, he’s ready.”

Arteta on William Saliba and Jurrien Timber

“They are okay. They’ve been playing a lot of minutes and carrying a few niggles. It was a really good opportunity for us to offload them a little bit and refresh them.”

Arteta on Declan Rice’s potential 300th Premier League appearance

“Yes, especially at the age he’s doing that. I don’t know how many players have reached that number so early. It shows the consistency and professionalism he has. Being able to play at this level is already a big thing, but it’s the manner and the performances he’s produced across those 300 games that stand out.”

Arteta appeared relaxed and composed in the press room, but the Arsenal boss is fully aware of the challenge awaiting his side in West Yorkshire. He also confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip, as Arsenal look to bounce back and reassert momentum in the Premier League.