Arsenal has highly anticipated Premier League clash against Liverpool. Manager Mikel Arteta has provided a much-needed injury news on the fitness of key Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz. Arteta’s press conference shed light on the team’s injury woes, confirming that two prominent players will miss the fixture. This news comes at a critical juncture in the season. Moreover, Arsenal navigates a demanding schedule amid their pursuit of silverware.
Havertz’s Road to Recovery
Kai Havertz, the German international who joined Arsenal from Chelsea, has been plagued by major injury news in this campaign. His absence has been felt in the midfield, where his creativity and goal-scoring prowess have been instrumental in past seasons. However, Arteta’s comments offer a glimmer of hope for fans, suggesting that Havertz could feature against Liverpool.
Kai Havertz has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines. He missed significant action due to a combination of issues that sidelined him for an extended period. He made a brief return recently. Moreover, he appeared on the bench during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa. However, he was omitted from the squad for the subsequent 3-2 win against Bournemouth. Arteta addressed Havertz’s status directly, emphasizing the need to manage his workload carefully given the length of his layoff.
Havertz’s potential return is particularly significant, as he has not featured prominently since the opening day of the season. Arteta’s optimism aligns with reports of Havertz participating in training sessions, signaling progress in his rehabilitation. For Arsenal supporters, this update represents a step forward after a season marred by fitness concerns for several key players.
The Ruled-Out Duo: Calafiori and Mosquera
While Havertz’s update brings encouragement, Arteta confirmed that two Arsenal stars will be unavailable for the Liverpool encounter. Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has impressed since his arrival from Bologna. He sustained an ‘awkward’ injury in the build-up to Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Brighton. This setback has forced him into the final stages of recovery, ruling him out of the upcoming match.
Similarly, defender Cristhian Mosquera is sidelined with a ‘complicated’ ankle issue picked up during the 2-0 win against Brentford. Arteta provided a concise update on both players: “No, they’re out again. I think pretty soon they have to go to the last stage of the rehab. I think everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”
Calafiori’s absence is a blow to Arsenal’s defensive solidity, as the 23-year-old has brought versatility and composure to the backline. Mosquera, known for his physical presence and aerial ability, adds to the depth concerns. Both players are in the latter phases of their rehab, with Arteta hinting at imminent returns, but they will not feature against Liverpool.
🚨🔴 Mikel Arteta on carefully managing the workload of Kai Havertz and him being close to a return ✅:
“Yeah, we are monitoring his load, he’s been out for a long time for two different reasons. And, yeah, he's very close.
He trained this morning again. And hopefully we're… pic.twitter.com/mk3K4w98QA
— Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) January 7, 2026
Impact on Arsenal’s Lineup and Tactics
This injury crisis tests Arsenal’s squad depth. It is especially against a formidable Liverpool side under Arne Slot, who have started the season strongly. Havertz’s potential inclusion, however, could offset some of the defensive vulnerabilities by bolstering the midfield. His return would allow Arteta greater flexibility in formations. He is perhaps reverting to a 4-2-3-1 setup where Havertz can support the forwards. Arsenal’s recent form—winning four of their last five league games—suggests resilience, but facing Liverpool without two key defenders heightens the challenge.
A Pivotal Clash at the Emirates
In summary, while the ruling out of Calafiori and Mosquera is disappointing, Havertz’s impending return injects positivity into the camp. Arteta’s updates underscore the fine balance between caution and ambition in player recovery. Arsenal fans will hope that this blend yields a positive result against their rivals, keeping their title aspirations alive in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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