**Arsenal Injury Update: Latest News and Return Dates for Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori**
Arsenal faces a challenging stretch ahead, with their trip to Chelsea this weekend coming after a series of disappointing results. Mikel Arteta’s side has not won in their last three Premier League matches and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. A loss at Chelsea, who are in good form, would further damage their title hopes, while a win would signal their determination to stay in the race.
Martin Ødegaard’s return after his brief cameo against Inter Milan is a welcome boost for Arteta, but injury concerns persist. Here’s the latest on some of Arsenal’s key injured players:
– **Kai Havertz:** The German midfielder was substituted late in the Inter Milan match in favor of Ødegaard, with Arteta confirming Havertz sustained a significant injury. However, the manager remains hopeful that Havertz will be fit to feature against Chelsea. Havertz has been a regular starter this season, scoring seven goals in 15 appearances, and has even played in a deeper role in Ødegaard’s absence.
– **Declan Rice:** The crucial midfielder missed the Inter Milan match due to a foot injury he picked up in the loss to Newcastle. Arteta revealed that Rice had played through discomfort in the Newcastle game but has been struggling since. His availability for the Chelsea match is uncertain, with a further evaluation scheduled for Thursday. **Potential return date:** Unknown.
– **Riccardo Calafiori:** The summer signing has been sidelined since suffering an injury in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Arteta confirmed last month that Calafiori would be out for “a few weeks.” **Potential return date:** Unknown.
– **Takehiro Tomiyasu:** (Details not provided in the original text but likely follows the same uncertain return timeline).
Arsenal will be closely monitoring these players as they prepare for a crucial weekend clash with Chelsea.
