Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz was not spotted with the squad earlier today on their pre-match walk ahead of the Liverpool game.
Manager Mikel Arteta claimed that the German is very close to returning to action after training on Wednesday morning with the rest of the team.
However, it appears the game against Liverpool tonight will come earlier for him, and fans may have to wait until Sunday to see him return.
Arsenal visit Portsmouth in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend before visiting Chelsea for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final next Wednesday.
Havertz has struggled with injuries all season, but it would not surprise many people if he is named in the squad tonight.
Arteta has a knack for keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to his players’ fitness, and Havertz’s absence from the team walk could be a deliberate attempt to keep Liverpool guessing.
Havertz has not played since August, when he featured for 30 minutes in the opening game of the campaign against Manchester United.
He has suffered setbacks twice despite nearing full fitness and will be keen to return to action.
