Arsenal have two very important fixtures left in the season, and Mikel Arteta will now seek victories in those to consolidate second spot. The Gunners are threatened by Newcastle United for their current league position, as the Gunners boss will demand a big home result against the Magpies.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta was asked about Kai Havertz following the German’s return to fitness after a serious hamstring injury sustained in Dubai. The Gunners boss also provided updates on the other doubtful players, and he could name a strong lineup against Newcastle United.
Arteta said, “We’re going to decide that tomorrow. He’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days and looks in great shape, but I think it’s more of a shout for all the medical staff, the doctor especially to give the clearance and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he’s required.”
When asked about Havertz’s fitness and how he has worked his way from the injury as well as the subsequent hamstring surgery, Arteta made a glowing reference of his attacker.
Arteta continued, “It’s unbelievable, his work rate and the work that he’s done. A lot of credit to the medical staff for the work that they’ve done throughout the last few months because between them they’ve been pushing each other. We know how important Kai is for us, and the fact that he looks in great shape, I think he’s improved a lot of the metrics that are very important for a striker to give himself the best chance. You see the transformation in him, which has been really impressive.”
A few key players were missing against Liverpool last Sunday including Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. While they were present during the open training session, Arteta insisted on waiting before deciding on those stars.
He said, “They’ve done parts of the session, not a complete session, so we’re going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things that they haven’t done because they weren’t ready to that at the end of the week.”
On the team selection, Arteta is expected to use the full force of his squad to get a win, meaning Rice and Havertz, if fit could start. However, they will miss Mikel Merino following his red card against Liverpool, as Leandro Trossard could now play the centre-forward role.
The backline is expected to stay the same as last weekend, with Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the full-back roles. William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior could continue their central defensive partnership. Arteta might be tempted to use the fit-again Riccardo Calafiori in place of the Pole, but he will keep the Italian on the bench.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli should be fit to start on either wing for Arsenal, with Trossard leading the line. Havertz could come off the bench if he makes the matchday squad, especially after how Arteta described his current shape following a stellar recovery from a serious hamstring injury.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
