Arsenal host Liverpool in an intriguing Premier League clash on Thursday, with Mikel Arteta hoping Kai Havertz will be available, but two players have already been ruled out.
Arsenal defenders Cristian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafioli have been ruled out of Thursday’s game against Liverpool. However, Kai Havertz could feature after Mikel Arteta revealed he is close to returning.
Havertz, 26, has not played since injuring his knee in August. The Germany international was on the bench in last week’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa, but was notable for being left at home as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday.
Havertz is currently scheduled to play against Liverpool at the Emirates and trained on Wednesday morning. “We are monitoring his workload,” Arteta admitted in his pre-match press conference.
“He’s been out for a long time for two different reasons. He’s very close. He trained again this morning. Hopefully we can get him available and give him the best version of himself.”
However, Arsenal will not be able to call up either Mosquera or Calafioli. “No, they’re out again,” Arteta admitted. “I think (they) will be back soon. They have to go through the final stages of rehabilitation, but if everything goes well, we hope they will be included in the selection soon.”
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Liverpool are one of only two teams to beat the Gunners this season, the other being Villa, but Arteta feels his side have “a point to prove” against the reigning champions. The Arsenal manager continued: “I’m excited. It’s an important game against the defending Premier League champions.”
“We have a point to prove, the crowd is going to create a great atmosphere… We are in the lead and we play at home against a really strong opponent.
“We want to maintain our position and for that we need to perform well throughout the match. That’s the point we have to prove.”
What will the score be for Arsenal vs. Liverpool? Let us know your predictions in the comments section.
Arteta also praised opposite number Arne Slott, who has come under criticism this season amid Liverpool’s weak title defence. “Liverpool have a great manager,” he added.
“They have a sensational structural understanding of what they have to do in relation to the other players they pick in tomorrow’s lineup. They can play in different ways because it’s going to be a little different and specific to what we can expect tomorrow and we have to be aware of that and focus on what we have to do.”
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