Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has updated the club on Kai Havertz’s condition after the German suffered a nasty head injury against Inter.
- German forward had to be replaced late on
- Mikel Merino also took a blow to the head
- Both expected to face Chelsea on Sunday
WHAT HAPPENED?
During the closing stages of the Gunners’ 1-0 Champions League defeat at San Siro, Havertz clashed with fellow countryman Yann Bisseck. Both men had eyes for the ball when competing in an aerial challenge, but were left in a crumpled heap on the turf.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Havertz was unable to continue, as he had to be replaced, with blood pouring from a head wound. Questions have been asked of whether the 25-year-old forward will now take in an enforced spell on the sidelines. Arteta has said when quizzed on that topic: “Kai Havertz had a big cut and hopefully he will be OK for the weekend.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal also saw summer signing Mikel Merino take a blow to the head, as he tangled with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but he is another that was replaced as a precaution. Arteta added on his fellow Spaniard: “No, he was not concussed, yesterday he was not feeling great and I decided to take him off as I needed him 100%.”
WHAT NEXT?
Arsenal, who have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and suffered back-to-back 1-0 losses against Newcastle and Inter, will return to Premier League action on Sunday when taking in a trip to London rivals Chelsea.