Arsenal will travel to Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday without Kai Havertz, the forward who scored a dramatic late winner against the Toffees at the Emirates last May.
The German international remains sidelined with a knee injury that has plagued his season since picking up the problem in Arsenal's opening weekend victory over Manchester United. Mikel Arteta confirmed the 25-year-old is still "a matter of weeks" away from returning to action.
A key absence against familiar opponents
Havertz's 89th-minute strike against Everton on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign secured a 2-1 victory for the Gunners, although it ultimately proved bittersweet as Manchester City lifted the title that afternoon.
The former Chelsea man has been sorely missed this term, with Arteta revealing last week: "He's doing really well, he's doing stuff on the pitch, but I think he needs some time. He was doing everything; he could not go to the next level. We are all desperate to have him."
Injury crisis deepens
Havertz is far from the only absentee for Arsenal's first-ever visit to Everton's new stadium. The Gunners will also be without:
- Gabriel Magalhães – Targeting a return against Aston Villa on December 30
- Ben White – Hamstring injury sustained against Wolves, out for approximately four weeks
- Cristhian Mosquera – Ankle injury, expected back in mid-January
- Max Dowman – Ankle problem, sidelined for several weeks
Riccardo Calafiori will return from suspension, providing some relief for Arteta's depleted defensive options.
What's at stake
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table and will be looking to extend their lead in what promises to be a challenging fixture at Everton's impressive new home. David Moyes' side have shown resilience this season and currently occupy ninth place.
Kick-off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is set for 8pm GMT on Saturday.
