Arsenal could receive a significant boost this weekend as they prepare to host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz in contention for a return to the squad. The Gunners, aiming to solidify their position at the Premier League summit, have been without the German international since he suffered a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Manchester United in August.
Arteta's Positive Update on Havertz
Manager Mikel Arteta provided an encouraging update on Havertz's fitness during his pre-match press conference. While a start on Saturday appears unlikely, the playmaker could feature from the substitutes' bench. "He is quite close – I think it will be a matter of days, if not weeks," Arteta stated. "Let's see in the next step how he responds. He's a player that we missed a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So, I'm really happy to have him back very soon."
However, Arsenal's defensive concerns persist. Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has missed the last nine games and is not yet back in full training. "He hasn't trained yet, he's still doing his rehab," Arteta confirmed. "But hopefully as quickly as possible because we know the situation that we have in the back line."
Defensive Reshuffle and Further Doubts
With Gabriel still out, Piero Hincapie a doubt, and Cristian Mosquera sidelined, Arteta may be forced into another defensive reshuffle. This could see Riccardo Calafiori start at centre-back, with Myles Lewis-Skelly potentially deployed at left-back.
There is also a question mark over winger Gabriel Martinelli, who is struggling with a knock sustained in the Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace. "Martinelli is more a knock, and he wasn't comfortable to carry on after the second half," Arteta explained, differentiating it from Hincapie's injury picked up against Everton.
Brighton's Injury Boost Ahead of Emirates Trip
Brighton, meanwhile, have been handed a double fitness boost ahead of their trip to North London. Experienced striker Danny Welbeck is fit again after missing the Seagulls' draw with Sunderland. Furthermore, key defender Jan Paul van Hecke is set to be available for selection, strengthening Roberto De Zerbi's options.
The Premier League encounter is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, with a 3pm kick-off. The match will not be broadcast live on television in the UK.
