The Whites travel to the Emirates in the first game back after the international break and Gracia will be hoping and praying that the likes of Willy Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Max Wober and Weston McKennie return unscathed from their national team duties. Gnonto, so often a bright spark for the Leeds attack this season, Meslier and Wober’s importance to Gracia’s plans is obvious given the roles they have played of late, but McKennie’s health and wellbeing is of particular concern given the injury absences of Tyler Adams and Adam Forshaw for Wolves.
Adams’ hamstring problem was being considered by a specialist according to Gracia prior to the trip to Molineux and if he is unable to return in time to face the Gunners then McKennie will be expected to join forces with Marc Roca again in the middle of the park. Beyond the American lies Under 21s prospects Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray.
But as long as the internationals return without any extra baggage in the form of fresh injury concerns, Gracia will have a strong squad to choose from when he goes to the Emirates and might even face a difficult selection or two when it comes to the substitutes’ bench. The head coach used his replacements well against Wolves and has highlighted the importance of every player and their minutes on the pitch, citing Crysencio Summerville’s impressive and vital Molineux cameo as evidence.
Here’s what looks like his strongest XI and bench, as things stand.

13. Joel Robles
The veteran has looked very solid when he's had the chance to play and although Meslier remains the number one at Leeds, Robles looks to have wrestled the number two spot from Kristoffer Klaesson. Photo: Clive Mason

14. Rasmus Kristensen
The Dane seized his moment as a sub at Wolves to at least raise half a question mark over the right-back berth and will hope for international minutes to further his case to Gracia. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

15. Pascal Struijk
Did very well against Adama Traore but that cameo probably wasn't enough to unseat Firpo from the left-back position. Remains a very good option at centre-back too but might have to remain patient for now. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

16. Liam Cooper
The fit-again skipper can still have an influence while a substitute but he will be champing at the bit to get in. Unless Wober has a nightmare or picks up an injury, Cooper - like Struijk - may well have to bide his time. Photo: Naomi Baker

17. Luis Sinisterra
The winger was left out of the Colombia squad, suggesting he's not quite ready for significant minutes yet, so expect him to build back up to fitness from the bench for now. Leeds haven't seen enough of the potential match winner yet. Photo: Eddie Keogh

18. Georginio Rutter
Another player having to be patient at present but he hasn't put a strong enough case together for a starting position as yet. Remains a good option for the second striker role, or even a wide right position, off the bench. Photo: Tony Johnson

