Arsenal vs Liverpool: Predicted lineups today and confirmed team news

Ekitike a major doubt ahead of kick-off (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta hopes to have Kai Havertz available again when Arsenal host Liverpool in tonight’s Premier League showdown at the Emirates.

Havertz has not featured since the opening weekend of the season, coming off the bench against Manchester United before undergoing what the club described as ‘minor’ knee surgery.

The Germany international was back in the squad against Aston Villa but was absent again at the weekend away to Bournemouth . That absence was down to load management rather than any fresh setbacks with Arteta revealing on Wednesday his forward is ‘very close’ to making his grand return.

Viktor Gyokeres was given the nod again up front against the Cherries, once again labouring with his only goal in the last eight league games coming from the penalty spot.

Gabriel Jesus is already applying some pressure , coming off the bench to replace the Swede in the last two games with Havertz’s return set to provide Arteta with another option up top.

Elsewhere, Arsenal remain without Riccardo Calafiori . The Italy international has not featured since the pre-Christmas clash with Crystal Palace, pulling out of the game against Brighton on 27 December with a knock picked up in the warm-up.

Cristhian Mosquera is also still unavailable but he is closing in on a return from the ankle injury he picked up at the start of December.

Havertz was back among the Arsenal subs against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool could have a huge problem up front with Hugo Ekitike a doubt ahead of kick-off . The Frenchman missed the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday due to a hamstring problem which has prevented him from training with the squad all week.