Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update on Kai Havertz ahead of Thursday’s match with Liverpool.
Premier League leaders Arsenal go into this midweek match with the opportunity to take an eight-point lead at the top.
Second-placed Manchester City have drawn their last three games, including Wednesday’s 1-1 stalemate against Brighton.
Arsenal have now won their last seven games in all competitions, while December’s defeat to Aston Villa is only their second defeat this season.
But their only other defeat came to Thursday’s opponents Liverpool.
A brilliant free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai at Anfield ensured Arsenal left Merseyside with nothing in August.
The fortunes of both clubs have changed since then, with a heavy defeat to Arsenal likely to be the deciding factor The fate of Liverpool boss Arne Slot when it happens.
The Gunners have performed excellently since they last faced opposition this week, but one man has been missing throughout.
Striker Kai Havertz has not played since the opening day, but now finally seems close to a return.
Mikel Arteta offers Kai Havertz injury update
Germany international Havertz last played in Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
He was left on the bench after last week’s 4-1 win against Aston Villa but has yet to return to the pitch.
However, Gunners boss Arteta says Havertz could make his long-awaited return against Liverpool.
BIG BREAKING
Kai Havertz is BACK at First Team Training️❤️ pic.twitter.com/aVgJsy4atT
— Arsenal Tribune (@ArsenalTribune) January 8, 2026
“We’re monitoring his cargo,” Arteta explained.
“He has been out for a long time for two different reasons. This morning he trained again.”
“Hopefully we have him available and the best version of himself.”
The 26-year-old’s return would be a welcome boost for Arsenal and Arteta.
So far, Havertz has scored 29 goals and provided 13 assists for Arsenal in 89 appearances.
Other Arsenal injury news less positive for Gunners
But despite Havertz’s positive injury update, it’s not all good news coming from Arsenal’s treatment room.
Arteta confirmed that defenders Ricciardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will remain sidelined for the time being.
Mikel Arteta on whether Calafiori & Mosquera are available: “No, they’re out again, I think [they could be back] They will soon have to enter the final phase of rehabilitation and if all goes well, they will hopefully be available for selection soon.” pic.twitter.com/DlazeNAmMC
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 7, 2026
However, recent problems have only proven how much depth Arsenal now possess.
Their continued form shows no signs of slowing down, and if they can pick up another three points against struggling Liverpool, an eight-point lead at this stage looks imposing.
The Premier League title race is far from over, but if Arsenal can increase their lead they will be hard to catch.
Fans could be forgiven for thinking that this might finally be Arsenal’s year – more than two decades since their last league title.
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