Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a significant fitness update, revealing that key forward Kai Havertz is now just days away from a return to the matchday squad. This news comes as a major boost for the Premier League leaders during the busy festive period.
Havertz Set to End Lengthy Absence
The German international, 26, has been sidelined since August after undergoing knee surgery. His recovery hit a minor setback earlier this month, but he has since returned to full first-team training. When pressed on a timeline, Arteta stated, "I think it will be a matter of days, if not weeks. Let's see in the next step how he responds to that."
Arteta was effusive about the player's importance, adding, "He's a player that we missed a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So, I'm really happy to have him back very soon."
Defensive Reinforcements Also on the Horizon
In further positive news for the Gunners, defender Gabriel Magalhaes is also progressing in his rehabilitation. The Brazilian centre-back has missed the last nine games with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty. While Arteta confirmed Gabriel has not yet returned to training, he expressed hope for a swift comeback given the team's defensive situation.
"We'll have to wait and see," Arteta said regarding a return date. "He hasn't trained yet, he's still doing his rehab. But hopefully as quickly as possible because we know the situation that we have in the back line."
Brighton Team News and Other Updates
Ahead of the clash with Brighton, Arsenal will be without several players. Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, and Piero Hincapie are all ruled out, with Max Dowman also set to miss the fixture.
There was concern over Gabriel Martinelli after he picked up a knock, but Arteta is optimistic the Brazilian will be available. "Martinelli is more of a knock, and he wasn't comfortable to carry on after the second half," he explained.
The manager also provided a positive update on Gabriel Jesus, who has returned to action earlier than anticipated. "He's very fit," Arteta said. "We've been gradually increasing his minutes... we're very happy."
With Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League table as they head into the New Year, the imminent returns of Havertz and Gabriel could prove crucial in maintaining their challenge for the title against the likes of Manchester City.
