Arsenal preparing to welcome back key player for crucial Liverpool clash

Arsenal can take an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table when they face Liverpool on Thursday.

The Gunners have gradually developed into genuine title contenders under Mikel Arteta and this season looks like their best chance to end the long wait for a championship. Arsenal have managed to deal with a series of injuries to key players this year, but are now poised to welcome one back into the fray.

Forward Kai Havertz has not featured since the opening day of the 2025/26 season, when he suffered a knee injury in a 1-0 win over Manchester United. He was fit enough to take a place on the bench for the game against Aston Villa last week and could soon return to the starting XI.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Arteta was asked about Havertz’s fitness and sounded optimistic about his recovery.

“We are obviously monitoring his load; he has been out for a long time for two different reasons, and he is very close. He trained this morning again, and hopefully we are going to have him available in the best version of Kai Havertz.”

Havertz has been a key part of Arteta’s Arsenal since his arrival from Chelsea in 2023. The German forward is not the most clinical striker but he helps to connect the team’s other attacking talents and leads the high press effectively.

If Arsenal can get the three points against Liverpool and reintegrate Havertz back into the team, Arteta’s side will be in pole position to win the Premier League and clinch the club’s first title since 2003/04.

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