Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update on Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Mikel Arteta has provided an early injury update on Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
Both players were forced off during the match, raising concerns ahead of a crucial week that includes a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Speaking after the game, Arteta indicated that neither issue appears immediately serious, although further assessment is required.
“Relation to the two players that you mentioned, there are muscular niggles,” Arteta said. “We don’t think it’s too much, we have to wait and see if they’re going to be available.”
Havertz was withdrawn in the first half after appearing to feel discomfort following his involvement in the build-up to Arsenal’s goal. The forward has been an important part of Arteta’s attacking setup in recent weeks, both in terms of his link play and presence in the box.
Arteta confirmed he had not yet spoken in detail with Havertz immediately after the match but suggested the initial signs were not overly concerning.
“He had a little niggle,” Arteta said. “I don’t know how serious it is, but the way he described it is not too sharp.”
Eze, who scored the decisive goal with a first-half strike, was also substituted later in the game after picking up a knock. His form has been a key part of Arsenal’s attacking output, and his availability will be closely monitored ahead of the trip to Spain.
Arteta acknowledged the importance of both players at this stage of the season, particularly with Arsenal competing on two fronts. The timing of the injuries adds an extra layer of uncertainty as the squad prepares for the final weeks of the campaign.
There was a more positive update elsewhere, with Bukayo Saka making his return from injury as a substitute. The England international has been out since the Carabao Cup final, but came on in the second half and made an immediate impact.
“He’s back,” Arteta said. “He looked sharp, he looked good, he looked fresh.”
Saka’s return provides a boost for Arsenal’s attacking options, especially given the concerns around Havertz and Eze. Arteta also indicated that the winger’s condition will continue to be monitored in the coming days.
“Let’s see how he reacts tomorrow, how he absorbs the load,” he added.
Arsenal now face a quick turnaround, with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid coming next. With the Premier League title race also finely balanced, Arteta will be hoping the issues affecting Havertz and Eze prove minor rather than disruptive at a critical stage of the season.