Mikel Arteta issues Kai Havertz update as two Arsenal players ruled out of Liverpool game

Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on Kai Havertz ahead of Arsenal's clash with Liverpool, with the Germany international hopeful to return whilst Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined

Mikel Arteta has spoken to the press ahead of Arsenal's clash against Liverpool(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has given an update on Kai Havertz ahead of Arsenal's showdown with Liverpool. The 26-year-old forward recently made a comeback from a prolonged injury layoff, but was not part of the matchday squad that journeyed to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Despite being named as a substitute in the 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa just days earlier, Havertz was omitted from the 3-2 victory against Bournemouth. Speaking at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Wednesday, Arteta shed light on the German international's current status ahead of the game with Liverpool.

The Arsenal manager stated: "Yeah, we are monitoring, obviously his load he has been out for a long time for two different reasons and he's very close.

"He trained this morning again and hopefully we're going to have him available and the best version of Kai Havertz."

Arteta also shared updates on Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera. The former sustained an 'awkward' injury during the build-up to the 2-1 win over Brighton, while the latter has been dealing with a 'complicated' ankle problem which seemed to occur during the 2-0 victory against Brentford.

"No, they're out again," the Arsenal boss confirmed. "I think pretty soon they have to go to the last stage of the rehab. I think everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.", reports Football London.

Dominik Szoboszlai propelled Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield in August. The outcome appeared to be a game-changer in the Premier League title race, with the Reds overtaking the Gunners at the summit of the table.

Szoboszlai agreed with Arteta's statement and insisted the title picture is not done and dusted ahead of Liverpool's trip to the leaders.

Szoboszlai has shouldered some of the leadership for Liverpool this season(Image: Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images)

"It's a long way," Szoboszlai told Sky Sports. "The Premier League is not easy. You don't win it by January, so I don't think we are playing against the champions. They're playing against the champions.

"They know as well. We know as well. Of course, they are one of the favorites for this year. Unbelievable team, really good players.

"But we shouldn't forget about Manchester City and Aston Villa, who is doing very good. So yeah, we don't play against the champions. They play against the champions."

Arne Slot previewed the game in a press conference on Wednesday, where he explained that Hugo Ekitike is a major injury doubt.