Arsenal are set to face Leeds United in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s team got off to a winning start last time out away at Manchester United, scraping to three points courtesy of a Riccardo Calafiori header.
The Spaniard will hope his side can build on that victory against newly-promoted Leeds by claiming another three points before heading to Anfield next week.
Arsenal will be without long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus, who is recovering from an ACL injury, while Arteta has a few fresh injury concerns to deal with.
Mikel Arteta provides Kai Havertz injury update
Kai Havertz sustained a knee injury earlier this week, reportedly caused by an incident that happened towards the end of the match at Old Trafford last Sunday.
The German has only just recovered from a serious hamstring injury that kept him out for the final three months of last season, and thus, this latest setback will be something of a gut punch for him.
Whilst awaiting the full prognosis, Arsenal have moved to sign Eberechi Eze to ensure they aren’t left light in forward areas.
Havertz will eventually return to the fold, although Arteta remained coy when asked to provide an update in his press conference on Friday.
“Well, he’s certainly not fit, and we don’t really know the extent of it,” the manager said.
“We need some more time and more tests. I prefer not to talk about the specifics. We will decide further about what we’re going to do.
“I don’t know, the reality is he’s not available for tomorrow.”
Havertz not being available for the Leeds clash won’t be a surprise to anyone, with fans more hopeful that his return date is a matter of weeks rather than months.
Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Ben White and Christian Norgaard
Christian Norgaard missed Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United with a minor injury, which has been described as a ‘little issue’.
The Dane is yet to make his competitive debut for the Gunners since signing from Brentford for £15 million earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, Ben White was forced off against the Red Devils due to an injury, and didn’t take part in Arsenal’s open training session earlier this week.
Arteta provided an update on both players in his press conference on Friday.
“Christian won’t be in the squad,” he said.
“With Ben, let’s see how he reacts. Christian will be out for a week or so.”
On a separate note, Arteta revealed that the club are managing Jurrien Timber’s load, after the Dutchman underwent ankle surgery in the off-season.
“Jurrien, we need to manage his load. That’s why we took him out of the main session at open training.”
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