Arsenal will welcome the return of Kai Havertz for Saturday's Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. The forward missed Wednesday's 3-1 win over Brentford due to illness.

The Germany international has played 25 times for the Gunners, scoring 12. He struck key goals in the wins over Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town after Christmas but his absence at the Gtech Community Stadium left Arteta short in attack.

His return for the trip to the AMEX Stadium comes as a huge boost following Bukayo Saka's injury. Asked whether Havertz will be back, Arteta replied: "Yeah, I think so, yeah."

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The good news continues to flow at Sobha Realty with Raheem Sterling progressing in his return from injury. The forward injured his knee prior to the win over Palace and has missed the previous two games.

"I think he's starting to do some stuff on the pitch," Arteta said on Friday morning. "Let's see how he progresses next week." Sterling could be in contention for the EFL Cup semi-final first-leg tie with Newcastle or the FA Cup clash with Manchester United.

With Jurrien Timber suspended, Arteta may be forced to play Thomas Partey at right-back. Takehiro Tomiyasyu and Ben White are both out and unavailable for selection meaning options are also limited in defence.

"Ben [is] still a few weeks away, Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, it's been a long term injury and now we will see how he reacts," Arteta explained in his pre-Brighton press conference.

"It might be a possibility," Arteta continued when asked if White could return before the end of the month. "He hasn't done anything with the team. The knee looks well, but he needs to load. I am positive he might be back quite early, but we will have to see."