Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the team as Arsenal prepares for its Premier League showdown against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. The manager addressed the status of defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, both of whom have been sidelined since the beginning of 2026. “We still have another training session,” Arteta mentioned at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. “So, we’ll see tomorrow, after that, to assess everybody and make a decision, first of all in the squad.”
On a positive note, Arteta reported that the squad emerged unscathed from their midweek victory over Inter Milan. Additionally, he provided insights into the recovery process of forward Kai Havertz, who has been out for nearly a year for various reasons. “He is very close,” Arteta said, emphasizing the importance of carefully managing Havertz’s return to play. “Now we have to be very smart in the manner that we manage that load, the minutes. I am sure in the next few weeks he is going to play in minutes.”
With both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus available again following their injuries, Arsenal faces an intriguing selection challenge in the attack, particularly with Viktor Gyokeres also returning to the mix. Arteta expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Yes, we were waiting for that. With the amount of games that are coming up, they’re all going to have opportunities and minutes, obviously, so it’s great to have them back and especially to have them in good form.”
As the team gears up for the crucial match, the return of key players adds to the sense of optimism surrounding Arsenal’s prospects. The combination of a strong squad and a smooth recovery process could play a significant role in their performance against Manchester United.