Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on his squad ahead of their clash with Brighton over the weekend.
The Gunners are fresh off of three wins on the bounce in the Premier League, giving them a chance in the title race.
With Liverpool taking on rivals Manchester United later in the weekend, Arsenal have a chance to put the pressure on.
Brighton have already caused Mikel Arteta some problems this season, picking up a draw earlier in the campaign.
It means Arsenal will have to be at their best, though that may depend on which options are available in the squad.
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Mikel Arteta gives Kai Havertz illness update
Arsenal star Kai Havertz has been out through illness, with the forward missing out against Brentford last time out.
It left the Gunners looking rather light in the front line, with Leandro Trossard the only senior forward option on the bench in the previous clash.
With many questioning Havertz’s availability, Mikel Arteta gave an update on the forward when speaking to the press.
He told the media: “Yeah [he will be available], I think so yeah.”
When asked about the rest of the squad, he responded: “If they train today, they should be fine… I think he’s [Sterling] starting to do some stuff on the pitch. Let’s see how he progresses next week.
“Ben [White] still a few weeks away, Tomi [Takehiro Tomiyasu] has done some stuff on the pitch, it’s been a long term injury and now we will see how he reacts.”
It suggests that while some short-term concerns are set for returns soon, there are still some long-term absences in the squad.
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Arsenal injury news and team selection latest
Following an update on Havertz, there are still a few injury and selection issues for Arteta to work through in his squad.
Jurrien Timber is banned after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Brentford, putting him out for one match.
There are injuries for Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu – with the trio set for a long spell on the sidelines.
Beyond them, there are some doubts surrounding Raheem Sterling and Declan Rice, though the pair could feature against Brighton if fit enough.
With Arsenal playing three games in a week at this stage of the season, having a full squad available will be important along with proper rotation.
The month ahead features big matches in the Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.
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