Mikel Arteta drops Kai Havertz hint as two Arsenal stars ruled out for Liverpool clash

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 provided an update on Kai Havertz ahead of Arsenal's clash against Liverpool . The 26-year-old forward has recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but he wasn't included in the matchday squad that travelled to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Havertz was left out of the 3-2 victory against Bournemouth, despite having been named on the bench in the the 4-1 away win over Aston Villa a few days prior. Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Wednesday, Arteta provided an update on the Germany international's condition .

The Spaniard said: "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 provided an update on Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera. The former suffered an 'awkward' injury in the build-up to the 2-1 win over Brighton, while the latter has been nursing a 'complicated' ankle issue, which he appeared to pick up during the 2-0 victory against Brentford.

"No, they're out again," said the Arsenal boss. "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."

Dominik Szoboszlai fired Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield back in August. The result looked set to prove significant in the race for the Premier League title, with the Reds leapfrogging the Gunners to claim first place.

Dominik Szoboszlai scores free-kick against Arsenal for Liverpool (Image: BBC Sport / Premier League)

Fast-forward four months or so, and Arne Slot's side have fallen to fourth place. Meanwhile, Arsenal have established a six-point lead at the top of the table, having lost just one game since tasting defeat in Merseyside.

Arteta said: "Obviously super excited. A massive game against the champions, and we have a point to prove. Our supporters very early there, to create a great atmosphere.

"The fans have been unbelievable this season, the level of energy is transmitted by them," the Spaniard added. "The margins for all of us are very small. They have a great manager and structure. The line-up, they can play in different ways."

Kai Havertz could be available for Arsenal again after injury (Image: (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))

When quizzed Liverpool's drop off this season, Arteta said: "Well, yes, but that's on paper, but I still think they're a superb team. But what you have to understand as well is what they've had with certain injuries, but my opinion hasn't changed."

Manchester City have the opportunity to, briefly, slash Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to just three points when they face Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening. But, if the Seagulls win, the Gunners will have the chance to go nine points clear.

On the title race, Arteta said: "We all want it that much and that is what is driving everybody. The amazing personalities that we have within the club."