Mikel Arteta hinted a return for Kai Havertz is closer than expected, though he did not confirm if he would feature against Brighton on Saturday.

The Germany international suffered a knee injury during Arsenal's opening match of the season, managing just 30 minutes before he was forced off the pitch.

Despite missing a key forward, the Gunners have not struggled for goals, netting 31 in the Premier League this term, though it would provide Arteta with more options in the final third.

Havertz netted 15 goals in all competitions last season, with a team-high nine of those coming in the Premier League, while he also provided four assists.

He returned to training this week, and Arteta says it is only a matter of time before he is back in the squad.

"I think it will be a matter of days, not weeks," the Gunners boss said. "Let's see in the next steps how he responds to that.

Mikel Arteta has delivered a fitness update on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2025

"But he is, again, a player that we missed a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So, I am really happy to have him back soon."

In this exact fixture against Brighton last season, Arsenal finished the 1-1 draw with 10 men after Declan Rice was sent off, receiving his second yellow card for time-wasting.

It was one of six red cards Arteta's side received last term, more than any other team, though that is a stark difference to this campaign, during which they have received 22 yellows and no red cards.

Asked about Rice's red card last term, Arteta said: "I remember very well. I was very hacked off in the manner that we played with 10 men. So, hopefully, it is going to be very different this time.

"I think the rules are different now. So, we paid a high price with that rule, and hopefully that stays away, and we continue to play with 11 players."