Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz has returned to training ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League meeting with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.
Arteta Provides Injury Update Ahead of Brighton Clash as Havertz Returns to Training
Speaking to journalists at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Tuesday, the Arsenal manager provided a positive update on his squad as the Gunners look to maintain their position at the top of the title race.
“Yeah, especially Kai, so he’s done a part of the session,” Arteta said.
“We will have to wait and see whether he’s available and in which condition.”
The Spaniard also revealed that captain Martin Odegaard remains a doubt, while ruling Ben White out of the trip to the south coast. However, Arteta gave goalkeeper David Raya the all-clear to feature.
When asked about Declan Rice, who appeared to pick up a knock during the victory over Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta eased concerns. “I hope so, he was much better today,” he confirmed.
Arsenal head into the fixture unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Brighton. The Gunners have not lost at the Amex since June 2020, when Neal Maupay scored a late winner.
Despite Brighton’s recent struggles against the north Londoners, Arteta reserved praise for Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler.
“Very good side, the way they are coached. What they want to do, they believe in it,” he added.
Hurzeler was equally complimentary of Arsenal in his own press conference, describing Arteta’s side as “the best in the world at set-pieces.”
However, the Brighton manager voiced frustration over the time Arsenal takes to execute corners, particularly when leading.
“Sometimes they spend one minute to take a corner,” Hurzeler said. “I think we just have to make clear rules. The game is changing so much.”
On defending against Arsenal’s physical approach, Hurzeler confirmed his side would stick to their principles. “We have a way to defend corners, throw-ins, and free-kicks. It’s very important that you stick to it.”
