Arsenal forward Kai Havertz was not on the bench for the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.
There have been reports suggesting the German international is still having issues with the knee that he had surgery on last August.
Speaking ahead of the United fixture, Arteta reassured fans that Havertz has not had a setback in his recovery, stating that the forward is “very close” to full fitness.
The player’s absence from the matchday squad on Sunday evening does raise more questions, but if he starts against Kairat in the Champions League, those fears will be allayed:
Expected Return Date – Wednesday 28th January vs Kairat (h)