Premier League: Arsenal suffer injury setback ahead of Manchester United clash

Mikel Arteta is expected to be without forward Kai Havertz for the visit of resurgent Manchester United this weekend.

According to a report, the German international’s knee has flared up again following his return from a lengthy layoff.

Havertz, who has not started a match since mid-August, sustained significant ligament damage in an earlier clash against United. While he recently made cameo appearances against Portsmouth and Chelsea, he is reportedly still far from reaching full match sharpness.

The 26-year-old was an unused substitute during the midweek Champions League tie against AC Milan, but it is now clear that the club is fearful of a long-term setback.

Despite the caution, Arteta remains publicly optimistic about the forward's recovery.

“He trains well, he’s increased his load, he’s coping with that really well and he will be ready when we can have him,” Arteta told reporters.

“If everything goes well, I think he’s going to be in the squad again in the next few days.”

Arsenal are 7 points clear at the top of the Premier League, and are facing a tricky test against Manchester United this weekend.

Arteta will be keen to keep a tight grip on first place, with Manchester City and Aston Villa not far behind.