Mikel Arteta provides Kai Havertz injury update as Arsenal boss explains Mikel Merino substitution | OneFootball

German international forced off during closing stages of defeat at Inter Milan

Havertz suffered a clash of heads against Inter

Fabrizio Carabelli/PA Wire

Kai Havertz is a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

The Germany international was replaced by Martin Odegaard for the final few minutes and needs to be assessed ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Arteta, however, has eased concerns that Mikel Merino was forced off against Inter with a possible concussion.

The midfielder took a blow to the head from Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer when trying to compete for a cross.

Merino played on and was taken off at half-time, but Arteta has cooled any fears he was injured.

“He was not concussed,” said Arteta. “But yesterday and today he was already not feeling great. After, when I looked at him, I decided to take him off because I need him 100 per cent.”

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