There’s initial optimism around Kai Havertz’s injury prognosis, despite the player’s emotional reaction to the setback at the weekend.

Football insider Hand of Arsenal reports on social media that there is cautious optimism around Kai Havertz’s injury, following the player’s early substitution against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Though the report adds that the timeline for the injury is yet to be determined, the good news is that initial fears of a really serious injury have reportedly been alleviated.
Whether that means Havertz is in line for an immediate return on Wednesday is another matter, with Arsenal’s open training session in front of the media on Tuesday likely to provide some answers on that front.

UEFA competitions require an open training session in front of journalists the day before every game, so it’s difficult to hide any injury returners.
Arsenal fans will be keeping an eye out for Jurrien Timber, who appears close to a comeback, Riccardo Calafiori, who was close to making the squad at the weekend, Eberechi Eze, who also came off early on Saturday, and of course Havertz.
Mikel Merino is another one out injured, but it appears there’s no expectation that he’ll make his comeback in the next week or two. The goal is seemingly just to get him back before the season ends.

If Arsenal can at least have Timber, Calafiori, and Eze back fit this week, and Havertz involved for the majority of the remaining games, that would be good news overall.
But for Wednesday’s game away in Madrid against Atletico, there are certainly plenty of lingering doubts.
- Arteta pulls no punches after Arsenal shambles at BrightonMikel Arteta gave a blunt verdict after Arsenal’s nine-match winning run ended at Brighton, pointing to the failings that decided the game.
- Brighton & Arsenal teams releasedArsenal face Brighton in matchweek five with the chance to make history by opening a season with eight consecutive wins for the first time.
- Arsenal pencil in injury return date for van DomselaarArsenal have given their clearest indication yet of when Daphne van Domselaar could return as Renee Slegers provides a fresh update on her recovery.
- Arteta confirms Arsenal Pro Ref meetingMikel Arteta confirms Arsenal met Pro Ref after the Sunderland penalty row, with the discussion focused on the decision rather than another apology.
- Arteta responds to Max Dowman January loan questionsMikel Arteta says Arsenal will assess Max Dowman every six months as January loan talk grows, but the teenager remains firmly in first-team plans.
