Mikel Arteta to provide Kai Havertz update ahead of Liverpool as Arsenal wait on Martin Odegaard

Mikel Arteta is due to face the media ahead of Arsenal’s match with Liverpool this weekend. The Gunners boss faces a tough test with those who are most certainly perceived as his closest rivals for the Premier League title.

Despite a strong start to the season, scoring six goals, the same amount as the Reds, but having conceded zero so far, unlike Liverpool’s four, there have been some issues to deal with. The main problem has been injuries and the loss of key players who will not be involved this weekend.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were both taken off in the 5-0 win over Leeds United at the weekend, and Arteta mentioned that further scans would be needed to determine the seriousness. Thankfully, football.london understands that Saka’s issue, in particular, is not as serious as first thought. However, Saka will be missing for a number of weeks, while Odegaard could yet return against Liverpool.

The big blow of the season was Kai Havertz's knee injury against Manchester United. It is believed the problem occurred late in the match from a tackle and isn’t a historical issue.

Speaking several days later, Arteta refused to be drawn on any speculation around the issue. He maintained that they had not yet got enough information to determine the extent of the problem and therefore it was not wise to comment.

“Well, certainly not fit for this match,” he said before the clash with Leeds. “Unfortunately, he picked up an injury and we don't really know yet the extent of it.

“I think we need a bit more time and some more tests and after that we'll have more clarity about the next steps.”

football.london understands that the German has since been able to have the scans to determine more detail about the seriousness of the problem. As a result, Arteta, who, as mentioned, is facing the media on Friday, will hopefully be able to provide more insight on the situation as a result, but there have since been reports that Havertz is set to undergo surgery and miss single-digit weeks rather than many months.

Arsenal have already responded to the problem in the transfer market. They moved quickly to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a move that could yet reach £67.5million, inclusive of add-ons.

Eze could make his debut against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. With Odegaard’s issues, it could be the midfielder plays in a central role and could even get a start.

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