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Mikel Arteta has dropped a major hint about his team selection for this weekend and suggested he could make a significant departure from his recent Premier League selections.
Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres led the Arsenal line throughout December and into January, but lost his place to Gabriel Jesus for last Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Kai Havertz 'ready' for Arsenal Premier League return
Kai Havertz has not featured in the Premier League since coming off the bench against Manchester United on the opening day, thanks to a knee injury.
The German international has however played from the bench in the FA Cup and League Cup, and most recently completed 45 minutes in the Champions League on Wednesday night, claiming a goal and an assist in the process.
Arteta now feels that Havertz has reached the point where he is now available for selection in the starting line-up in the Premier League and hinted that may well come against Leeds.
He said at his Friday press conference: “[Havertz] is ready. Obviously he started the other day.
"Obviously it’s been a long period and now we need to manage that load and the games we’re going to select for him to start.
"But there was no reaction to that. I think it was super positive. You could see straight away the impact that he can have in the team.”
However, quite what role the versatile Havertz could be expected to play upon his return to the side is another matter.
The 26 year old stepped into the attacking midfield role usually occupied by Martin Odegaard against Kairat, playing just off Gyokeres.
Riccardo Calafiori is also available again after returning to the side alongside Havertz on Wednesday following a month out injured.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are also expected to come back in after being rested in midweek.
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