Havertz is a big concern for Arsenalplaceholder image
Havertz is a big concern for Arsenal | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
A look at the early Arsenal injury news for next weekend’s huge clash with likely title rivals Liverpool.
Arsenal and Liverpool are now just a week away from facing off in what could be a very early indication of who is best positioned for a successful title bid. It is far too early for this game to be a six-pointer, but both sides will want to send an early message to both their opponents and any onlookers.
Ahead of the game, we have rounded up the Arsenal injury news to see who is likely to miss the Liverpool game. Below we cover the potential absentees, but there is some good news in that Jurrien Timber is getting close to full fitness after coming off the bench in the opener.
Arteta has said Timber ramped up his training earlier in the week, and while he needs to be managed in terms of workload, he is getting closer. Meanwhile, Ben White is expected to be fully available for the Liverpool game, and incoming new signing Eberechi Eze should be available. Here are the possible absentees.
Kai Havertz
Havertz picked up a knee injury in training this week, and it’s believes the Gunners will manage it conservativey for a couple of weeks to see if surgery can be avoided, but it’s likely the forward will miss the Liverpool game.
Speaking before the Leeds game, Arteta said: “Well, he's certainly not fit for this match, unfortunately. We don’t really know yet the extent of it, I think we need a bit more time and some more tests, and after that we will have more clarity about the next steps.
“I prefer not to talk about the specifics, but he’s not fit, as I said, and we need to explore that issue a little bit further and decide what we’re going to do. The worst scenario is that he cannot play tomorrow, I would love to have him fresh and available, bringing what he brings to the team but unfortunately, that is not going to be possible.”
Asked about Havertz’s mindset, he added: “Well, mentally, he’s in a good place because he’s a really strong boy, very committed. He had an incredible recovery from the hamstring surgery. I think he’d never had an injury before; it was the first experience.
“Now, he’s got a setback, let’s see how bad it is, but I’m sure he’s going to deal with it in the best possible way and, as I said, he’s a joy of a kid and hopefully we’re going to have him soon.”
Christian Norgaard
Norgaard has come into the season struggling with a small issue, and he will be a doubt for the Liverpool game. Arteta has said: “Christian won't be in the squad. Christian will be out for another week or so.”
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus remains out long-term after suffering a ruptured ACL in January. Arteta has said: “Gabi is doing super well. I think he looks in a really good place, obviously it’s a massive injury and we need to come from that in a really strong way, but certainly he’s in the right place and with very strong strides I think.”
Continue Reading