Arteta update on Calafiori, Mosquera and Havertz has provided Arsenal fans with clarity ahead of the crucial Premier League showdown against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta addressed the fitness situation of several first-team players during his pre-match press conference, with particular focus on Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera as the Gunners prepare for Thursday night.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Arteta confirmed that Havertz is edging closer to a return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. We are monitoring obviously his load. He has been out for a long time for two different reasons and he is very close,” Arteta explained.
“He trained this morning again and hopefully we are going to have him available in the best version of Kai Havertz.”The update will come as a major boost for Arsenal, with the German forward nearing match readiness at a vital stage of the season.
Arteta confirms Calafiori and Mosquera remain sidelined
While Havertz is approaching a return, Arteta confirmed that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will miss the Liverpool encounter. They are out again,” Arteta said. “I think they’ll return pretty soon. They have to go to the last stage of the rehab. If everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”
The defensive absences have forced Arsenal to rely on squad depth in recent weeks, a situation that has tested Arteta’s options at the back.
Piero Hincapie earning Arteta’s praise
In the absence of Calafiori and Mosquera, summer signing Piero Hincapie has stepped up impressively in his first Premier League season. Arteta revealed he has been “very impressed” with the Ecuadorian, who arrived late in the transfer window from Bayer Leverkusen.
“He came in very, very late in the market, without pre-season, and after surgery as well,” Arteta added. “He’s been immense for everything that we ask him to do; he’s fulfilled that in various roles.”
The Arsenal boss believes Hincapie’s adaptability has been a major boost as the club navigates a demanding run of fixtures. It’s been a big boost for the team and another step in terms of what he can bring to the team,” Arteta concluded.
As Arsenal continue their title push, fans will hope the positive Arteta update on Calafiori, Mosquera and Havertz translates into timely reinforcements on the pitch.
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Source: Arsenal Official
