Mikel Arteta Provides Kai Havertz Injury Update Ahead Of Arsenal Facing Liverpool

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has offered a positive injury update on Kai Havertz ahead of Thursday’s clash with Liverpool.

Premier League leaders Arsenal head into this midweek fixture with the opportunity to move eight points clear at the top.

Second-placed Manchester City have drawn their last three games, including Wednesday’s 1-1 stalemate against Brighton.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have won their last seven in all competitions, with December’s defeat against Aston Villa only their second loss this season.

But their only other defeat came at the hands of Thursday’s opponents Liverpool.

A brilliant Dominik Szoboszlai free kick at Anfield meant Arsenal left Merseyside with nothing in August.

Both clubs’ fortunes have switched since then, with a heavy defeat to Arsenal likely to decide Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s fate if it happens.

The Gunners have been excellent since they last faced this week’s opposition, but one man has been missing throughout.

Forward Kai Havertz has not played since the opening day, but now finally looks close to a return.

Mikel Arteta Offers Kai Havertz Injury Update

German International Havertz last featured in Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

He was named on the bench for last week’s 4-1 win against Aston Villa, but is yet to return to the field.

However, Gunners boss Arteta says Havertz could make his long-awaited return against Liverpool.

MAJOR BREAKING

Kai Havertz is BACK to First Team Training ️❤️ pic.twitter.com/aVgJsy4atT

— Arsenal Tribune (@ArsenalTribune) January 8, 2026

“We are monitoring his load,” Arteta explained.

“He’s been out for a long time for two different reasons. He trained this morning again.

“Hopefully, we’re going to have him available and the best version of himself.”

The 26-year-old’s return would be a welcome boost for Arsenal and Arteta.

To date, Havertz has scored 29 goals and provided 13 assists for Arsenal in 89 total appearances.

Other Arsenal Injury News Less Positive For Gunners

But despite the positive Havertz injury update, it isn’t all good news coming from the Arsenal treatment room.

Arteta confirmed defenders Ricciardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined for the time being.

Mikel Arteta on whether Calafiori & Mosquera are available: “No, they are out again. I think [they could be back] pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab & if everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.” pic.twitter.com/DlazeNAmMC

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 7, 2026

However, recent issues have only proven the level of depth Arsenal now possess.

Their continued form shows no signs of slowing down, and if they can take another three points against a struggling Liverpool, an eight-point lead at this stage looks imposing.

The Premier League title race is far from over, but if Arsenal can extend their lead, they will be hard to catch.

Fans can be forgiven for thinking this might just be Arsenal’s year at last – more than two decades since their last league title.