Injured Arsenal star returns to training pre-Chelsea clash

Mikel Arteta has provided good news ahead of Arsenal’s game against Chelsea, confirming Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the match.

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Arsenal don’t have a particularly long injury list right now, but one big name on it is Kai Havertz. The German international has been impressive on the rare occasions he’s been available, but the Gunners have had to do without him for the majority of the season so far.

Youngster Max Dowman has also been out for a while, whilst Ben White picked up a knock ahead of the game away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking to his pre-Chelsea press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Havertz is back in training, Dowman will play for the u21s on Friday, and White remains a doubt.

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“Yeah, we are hopeful (they will be available),” Arteta said of the trio. “Max [Dowman] will play some minutes tonight with under-21s. Kai [Havertz] will train tomorrow, and Ben [White] let’s see.”

Dowman’s inclusion with the u21s obviously makes it unlikely he’ll play any role with the first team this weekend, and it sounds as though White’s involvement is very much in the balance.

But to have Havertz back would be a boost, particularly after he scored against Chelsea in the last game between the two clubs.

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Bukayo Saka appears to be fit for the game, which only leaves Mikel Merino as a confirmed absentee. Merino is likely to be out of action for at least a couple more months after his foot surgery.