Mikel Arteta has not been able to call upon Kai Havertz since August
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Havertz has been out of action since August after injuring his knee in the first game of the season against Manchester United and undergoing surgery shortly after.
There had been suggestions of a fresh setback for the Germany international after Arteta earmarked a return to action before the end of the year.
Speaking on Friday morning, the Gunners manager said: "Progressing really well, quite fast in the last few weeks.
“We're quite positive that if everything continues like that, in the next training sessions he'll be back with us quite soon."
Meanwhile, Zubimendi did not take part in a training session earlier in the week which sparked some concern among fans over his availabilty for Arsenal’s first-ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Read More
'I would take him at Arsenal': Wright slams Man Utd over Fernandes saga
Arteta's big Arsenal decision over Gyokeres for Everton clash
Everton vs Arsenal: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
Is coffee the future of socialising? This stylish spot thinks so
It was understood that Arsenal were just keen to manage the midfielder’s workload after a busy few months and Arteta has confirmed this is the case.
“That was load management for a few players that played a lot of minutes recently,” the Gunners boss revealed in the press conference.
Arteta also confirmed that Ben White will miss the game on Merseyside after limping off in the first half of last weekend’s win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking immediately after the Wolves game, Arteta said he feared the worst over White’s latest setback but is now optimistic the defender will not miss too much action.
Arteta said: "He's out. He's evolving well, not a major injury. Will keep him out for a few games I think.
“Ben is a really fast healer so let's hope we're going to have him in the next few games."
In more positive news, Arteta has revealed that Gabriel is not too far away from a return to action having been sidelined with an adductor injury he sustained while playing for Brazil during the November international break.
“He's pushing hard as he always does every time he's out,” Arteta added. “Evolving really well. Not too far.
“We are quite positive about it.”