Mikel Arteta on Kai Havertz
Image Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s preparations for the 2025-26 Premier League season have been marred by injury concerns, with Mikel Arteta providing updates on Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Athletic Club on August 9, 2025.
As the Gunners look to rebound from a 3-2 defeat to Villarreal on August 6, 2025, the latest injury news paints a mixed picture for the squad.
Kai Havertz: Havertz, sidelined since February 2025 with a severe hamstring injury sustained during a training camp in Dubai, is making strides toward recovery.
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The German didn’t feature in the defeat against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium this evening. Mikel Arteta confirmed after the game Havertz “felt something” in training yesterday and wasn’t quite right.
The Arsenal manager also confirmed “It’s going to be a matter of a couple of days” until Kai Havertz returns, potentially making him available for the game against Athletic club on Saturday.
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz is expected to return from injury against Athletic Club on Saturday. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
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Leandro Trossard: Leandro Trossard also wasn’t included in the matchday squad to face Villarreal on Wednesday evening. However Mikel Arteta gave a positive update on the Belgian after the game, stating he has a chance to be fit for Saturday.
Riccardo Calafiori: Calafiori’s injury status is less certain. The Italian defender, who suffered a knee tweak in the Newcastle friendly on July 27, 2025, missed the Villarreal match.
Arteta described it as a “minor issue” but noted Calafiori didn’t train fully before the game, ruling him out. He’s expected to resume training soon, with a possible return against Athletic Club. His absence exposed Arsenal’s left-back vulnerabilities against Villarreal.
Arsenal fans await further updates as the season nears, hoping these key players can bolster the squad’s title aspirations.
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