Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Ekitike a major doubt ahead of kick-off (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta hopes to have Kai Havertz available again when Arsenal host Liverpool in tonight’s Premier League showdown at the Emirates.
Havertz has not featured since the opening weekend of the season, coming off the bench against Manchester United before undergoing what the club described as ‘minor’ knee surgery.
The Germany international was back in the squad against Aston Villa but was absent again at the weekend away to Bournemouth. That absence was down to load management rather than any fresh setbacks with Arteta revealing on Wednesday his forward is ‘very close’ to making his grand return.
Viktor Gyokeres was given the nod again up front against the Cherries, once again labouring with his only goal in the last eight league games coming from the penalty spot.
Gabriel Jesus is already applying some pressure, coming off the bench to replace the Swede in the last two games with Havertz’s return set to provide Arteta with another option up top.
Elsewhere, Arsenal remain without Riccardo Calafiori. The Italy international has not featured since the pre-Christmas clash with Crystal Palace, pulling out of the game against Brighton on 27 December with a knock picked up in the warm-up.
Cristhian Mosquera is also still unavailable but he is closing in on a return from the ankle injury he picked up at the start of December.
Arsenal v Aston Villa - Premier League
Havertz was back among the Arsenal subs against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool could have a huge problem up front with Hugo Ekitike a doubt ahead of kick-off. The Frenchman missed the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday due to a hamstring problem which has prevented him from training with the squad all week.
Cody Gakpo was moved up top in his absence and may be asked to do the same tonight in north London with Alexander Isak a long-term absentee and Mohamed Salah still away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal XI to face Liverpool – Metro prediction
Will Arteta persist with Gyokeres up top? The Gunners boss values the work he gets through up top and despite the goal drought, is keeping faith in his summer signing.
Get your football fix
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts sent straight to your inbox – sign up, it's an open goal.
Football Newsletter – In The Mixer
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.