Gutted Arsenal face hamstring setback as Tzolis exits ahead of Leeds

Gutted Arsenal saw winger Christos Tzolis forced off with a worrying hamstring injury during Greece’s Nations League match against the Netherlands on Thursday night. The Premier League champions now face a fitness dilemma ahead of their return to action against Leeds United on 10 October.

Tzolis injury details

Shutterstock Editorial reported that Tzolis collapsed inside the opening 15 minutes, after just 17 minutes of play, and was seen pulling his shirt over his face while receiving treatment. He was replaced by Giorgos Masouras, and Greece went on to lead through Fotis Ioannidis before Masouras added a second in stoppage time.

The Dutch pulled a goal back shortly before the hour mark via Virgil van Dijk’s header, but the early exit left Tzolis visibly emotional on the turf.

Arsenal's mounting injury list

Arsenal are already without five first‑team regulars, including long‑term absentee William Saliba, who is ruled out until November with a back issue. Kai Havertz is being assessed after a hamstring problem in Germany’s draw with the Netherlands, and Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Declan Rice remain sidelined.

Both Mosquera, White and Rice have been earmarked to return for the Leeds United fixture, while Saliba’s recovery extends beyond that date.

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Implications for upcoming fixtures

Mikel Arteta will now be sweating over the fitness of Christos Tzolis as the club prepares for the Leeds United clash and a Premier League meeting with Brighton the following weekend. The winger has contributed four assists in eight appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this season.

He also scored in Greece’s 2‑1 win over Serbia and started in their victory over Germany on Sunday, underlining his importance to both club and country.

Kai Havertz’s own hamstring injury saw him last only 30 minutes against the Netherlands after a challenge from Quinten Timber, adding further concern to Arteta’s front‑three options.

Captain Martin Ødegaard left Norway’s defeat by Portugal with a foot issue, while Arteta must also manage the absence of other key players as the Gunners aim to maintain momentum in October.