False alarm – Kai Havertz is back!

Arsenal’s injury list is finally starting to shorten, with Mikel Arteta revealing that Kai Havertz is closing in on a long-awaited return. After months on the sidelines following knee surgery in August, the German forward is now only a few days away from rejoining the matchday picture — a timely boost as the Premier League pace intensifies over the festive period.

Havertz had initially been expected back in early December, only for a small complication to delay his comeback. This week brought more positive signs, however, as the 26-year-old was spotted taking part in full training. Arteta confirmed that the forward is now nearing availability and sounded increasingly confident that his absence is almost over.

"I think it will be a matter of days, not weeks," the manager said. "Let’s see in the next step how he responds to that. But he’s a player that we miss a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So I’m really happy to have him back very soon."

The value Havertz brings is reflected in last season’s numbers, having ended the campaign as Arsenal’s top league scorer with nine goals despite spending a significant spell injured with a hamstring issue. A return against Brighton this weekend may come slightly too early, with Arsenal keen to ensure he is fully ready before throwing him back into action.

Once cleared, Havertz will add competition in the central attacking role alongside big-money arrival Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus. Jesus recently made his first start in nearly a year against Crystal Palace, and Arteta has been cautious with his workload after such a lengthy absence — a decision the manager feels is paying off.

"Yeah, he’s very fit," he said. "We’ve been gradually increasing his minutes, but today as long as he was okay, everybody was happy to let him go. And before we started to take risks and get him into fatigue mode, we took him off, but I am very happy."

Arsenal head into the weekend looking to protect their position at the top of the table when Brighton visit the Emirates. With Manchester City facing Nottingham Forest earlier on Saturday, the Gunners are well aware of the importance of keeping pressure on their closest rivals.

Arteta was quick to highlight the challenge Brighton pose under their new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, praising both the club’s long-term vision and their current evolution.

“Well, obviously, it is a club that I admire a lot - and what they’ve done over the last 10 years is incredible," he said. "They have had different managers, and now Fabian has come in and brought some very different ideas as well. A lot of energy, a really, really committed team, and they look very, very together. They have a lot of quality, they can play in different ways, they have versatile players, so it will be a tough match."

With Havertz on the verge of returning, Arsenal are gradually regaining depth across the pitch, even if defensive issues persist. The weeks ahead could be crucial in defining their title push, as demands rise both domestically and across competitions.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 18

Friday

23.00: (2.50) Manchester United. (3.65) Newcastle (2.65)

Saturday

15.30: (5.60) Nottingham Forest (3.90) Manchester City (1.62)

18.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Brighton (7.75)

18.00: (2.30) Brentford (3.45) Bournemouth (3.05)

18.00: (4.00) Burnley (3.35) Everton (2.00)

18.00: (1.23) Liverpool (6.50) Wolverhampton (12.0)

18.00: (2.70) West Ham (3.35) Fulham (2.65)

20.30: (1.90) Chelsea (3.50) Aston Villa (4.10)

Sunday

17.00: (2.60) Sunderland (3.15) Leeds (2.85)

19.30: (2.35) Crystal Palace (3.35) Tottenham (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***