Arsenal receive new Kai Havertz injury update before Chelsea amid triple Mikel Arteta worry

Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh update on Kai Havertz after he picked up a nasty head injury during Arsenal's Champions League defeat to Inter Milan. The Gunners forward clashed heads with defender Yann Bisseck late into the game which left both players, particularly Havertz, covered in blood.

After the game, "Kai he has a big cut," he said. "He had to come off because he needed some stitches. Hopefully he will be OK for the weekend."

Mikel Merino, who was taken off at half time, also appeared to pick up a head injury in the 1-0 loss after his collision with Yann Sommer, though Arteta confirmed he did not suffer a concussion.

While those are three injury concerns for Arteta, the Arsenal boss was handed a major fitness boost with Martin Odegaard making his long-awaited return against Inter. The club captain last played for the Gunners in late August with an ankle issue suffered representing Norway during the September international break.

Despite the fact he completed his first team training session on Monday and then played the final five minutes in Italy, However, the same treatment has not been taken with Havertz.

On Thursday, Germany confirmed he has been selected for their games next week against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary. With his issue only picked up on Tuesday, it is perhaps no surprise he was named but that could change once the full prognosis is revealed.

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Rice also looks set to be away from London Colney this month with England announcing he is included in their 26-man squad. Though Arteta would prefer those carrying knocks to remain in north London over the two-week pause, he will undoubtedly want them in his starting XI at Stamford Bridge this weekend, which will reveal their fitness state.