As Arsenal prepare for their Premier League clash against Brighton this weekend, manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on the latest injury and illness updates within his squad.
The Gunners are looking to maintain their momentum and keep pace in the title race following three consecutive victories.
Here’s the latest Arsenal injury update, including key details about Kai Havertz’s availability and other squad concerns.
Kai Havertz Set to Return After Illness
Arsenal’s attacking options were stretched thin in their previous outing against Brentford, with Kai Havertz sidelined due to illness.
Leandro Trossard was the sole senior forward option on the bench, raising questions about depth in the attacking line. However, Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update, indicating that Havertz is likely to feature in the Brighton clash.
“Yeah, I think so, yeah,” Arteta said when asked about Havertz’s availability.
This news will come as a relief for Arsenal fans, as the German international’s return bolsters the Gunners’ forward options in a pivotal phase of the season.
Mikel Arteta gives an injury update, including Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu & more. 🔊
🎥 @SkySportsNews pic.twitter.com/ICym5l9G0H
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 3, 2025
Broader Arsenal Injury Concerns
While Havertz’s return is a boost, Arsenal continue to grapple with injuries to several key players. Arteta elaborated on the status of the squad, and we’ve provided a summary below:
- Ben White: Still weeks away from a return.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu: Making progress on the pitch after a long-term injury but remains a doubt for the near future.
- Jurrien Timber: Suspended for one match following his fifth yellow card of the season against Brentford.
- Bukayo Saka: Sidelined with no definitive return date yet.
- Raheem Sterling and Declan Rice: Doubtful but could feature against Brighton if they pass fitness tests.
Arsenal Squad Rotation Amid a Packed Schedule
With three games in a week and upcoming fixtures across multiple competitions, Arteta emphasised the importance of squad depth and rotation.
Arsenal have matches coming up across numerous competitions, with the club vying for the Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League – making player fitness a critical factor in their campaign.
Brighton, who held Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, will be a stern test, especially given their knack for causing upsets.
Arteta will need to tactically manage his resources to ensure his side can sustain their push across all fronts.
