Arsenal Football Newsletter
The Gunners are hosting the Spanish club at Emirates Stadium in what is their final pre-season friendly.
“Yesterday in training he (Havertz) felt something and this morning he wasn’t quite right,” said Arteta, after the loss to Villarreal.
“So we decided to rest him. I think it’s going to be a matter of a couple of days, hopefully at the weekend, if everything goes to plan, I think he will be fit.
“The three that we lost during the tour, it was Big Gabi, Leo and Ricky, and for Saturday I think both of them (Calafiori and Trossard) have a chance if everything in the next few days evolves in the way it has been evolving in the last few days.”
Arteta is able to hand Calafiori a recall, while Havertz is named on the bench. However, there is no place in the matchday squad for Trossard.
Arsenal vs Athletic Club: Emirates Cup — LIVE
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal face Eze rival; Man Utd want Baleba next
How to watch Arsenal vs Athletic Club: TV channel and live stream
Who should win the AXA Startup Angel People’s Choice award?
Jurrien Timber stars for Arsenal against Athletic Club
Midfielders Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi all came off the bench in that game, too, and start together as a trio for the first time.
Noni Madueke made his first appearance for Arsenal on Wednesday and should get more minutes off the bench.
Confirmed team news
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard (C), Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Substitutes: Kepa, Rojas, White, Mosquera, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Lokonga, Merino, Madueke, Nwaneri, Nelson, Havertz