Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Mikel Arteta Issues Kai Havertz Update as Two Arsenal Players Ruled Out of Liverpool Game
Mikel Arteta has provided a key injury update ahead of Arsenal's crucial clash with Liverpool, confirming that two players are ruled out but offering hope on Kai Havertz's availability.
The Arsenal manager addressed the media on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, ahead of the high-stakes Premier League encounter at Anfield. Arteta revealed that a duo of important squad members will miss the game due to ongoing injury concerns. Despite the setbacks, he expressed optimism about their swift recovery, stating they are expected to return soon and bolster the team in upcoming fixtures.
In brighter news, Kai Havertz, Arsenal's versatile forward, has returned to training and could feature in the matchday squad. Havertz, who has been sidelined recently, participated in sessions leading up to the Liverpool showdown, giving Arteta a potential boost in attack. The German international's progress is timely, as Arsenal seek to maintain momentum in their title challenge.
Arteta described the Liverpool game as "massive", underscoring its importance in the context of the Premier League race. He praised his team's preparation while acknowledging the formidable opposition under their management. The Spaniard also touched on broader topics, including reactions to recent managerial changes elsewhere, such as Ruben Amorim's sacking, but kept focus on Arsenal's internal matters.
With Liverpool pushing hard at the top, Arsenal's injury situation adds intrigue. The absence of the two ruled-out players—whose identities were not specified in detail but are deemed non-long-term—tests squad depth, yet Havertz's potential involvement could prove decisive. Fans await the full team news, as Arteta aims to navigate this pivotal moment without key personnel.
This update highlights Arsenal's resilience amid fixture congestion, with Arteta balancing caution and confidence. The game promises intensity, with both sides vying for supremacy.
(Word count: 298)
