Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down concerns over Kai Havertz’s health after the German forward suffered a bloody head injury during Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.
Havertz, who started as the central striker for the Gunners in their Champions League encounter at San Siro, was forced off in stoppage time after a clash with Inter’s Yann Aurel Bisseck. Havertz’s face was left covered in blood, prompting goalkeeper Yann Sommer to call for medical assistance. Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession and 20 shots on goal, they were unable to break down Inter’s defense following Hakan Calhanoglu’s first-half penalty.
Arteta provided an update on Havertz’s condition after the match, saying: “Kai has a big cut and needed stitches, but hopefully, he’ll be fine for the weekend.”
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Havertz wasn’t the only player to suffer an injury during the match. Midfielder Mikel Merino also had to be substituted at halftime after a blow to the head. Merino had been involved in two penalty incidents: first, he was penalized for handball in his own box, and then he was denied a penalty when Sommer accidentally punched him while attempting to claim a cross.
Arteta reassured reporters about Merino’s condition, saying: “No, he was not concussed. He wasn’t feeling great yesterday and today, so I decided to take him off because I need him 100%.”
Despite the injury setbacks, Arteta received a boost with the return of captain Martin Ødegaard, who made a brief appearance at San Siro after two months out with an ankle injury. The manager will be hoping for a full recovery for his key players ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.