Mikel Arteta provides latest injury update on Arsenal trio | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says he hopes to have Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori back available for the friendly against Athletic Club on Saturday.

All three missed Arsenal’s pre-season defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday night as the Gunners were beaten 3-2.

Explaining Havertz’s absence, Arteta said after the game: “Yesterday in training, he felt something and this morning he wasn’t quite right

“So we decided to rest him. I think it’s going to be a matter of a couple of days, hopefully at the weekend, if everything goes to plan, I think he will be fit.”

On Calafiori and Trossard’s fitness, Arteta continued: “The three that we lost during the tour, it was big Gabi, Leo and Ricky, and for Saturday, I think both of them (Calafiori and Trossard) have a chance if everything in the next few days evolves in the way it has been evolving in the last few days.”

Gabriel did return to action against Villarreal, however, having missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Asia.

Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, meanwhile, started the game and Arteta says he has been encouraged by what he has seen from the striker.

“We already broke that line today, because I think it was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team,” he said.

“He’s been with us only a week or so, but I already saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking in certain spaces. So, in general, for a lot of players that haven’t played many minutes, we have a lot now that they’re going to be ready for Saturday in a much better condition.

“Every day in training I think he’s getting a really good feeling. I think he’s built connections as well outside, which I think is really important with players that are going to help him to be in the position that he needs to get in.

“His fitness level, I think he hasn’t trained really with the team for two months, so he’s done now six or five sessions, I think, before today. So, I think on Saturday, again, I think he will take another step and he will be in a better condition.”

Fellow new signing Noni Madueke also came off the bench to feature for the Gunners for the first time, and Arteta said: “He showed a lot of desire to come and join us from day one, and I think what he’s done is remarkable.

“I think it shows how much he wants it, how willing he is to put everything that he can to make this work. I think the reception he got from all the supporters, it was brilliant as well. So, great. Again, another one through the door to have the first experience with us and on Saturday, go again.”

The Gunners continue their preparations for the new season when they face Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.