Arsenal receive new Kai Havertz injury update before Chelsea amid triple Mikel Arteta worry

Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh update on Kai Havertz after he picked up a nasty head injury during Arsenal's Champions League defeat to Inter Milan. The Gunners forward clashed heads with defender Yann Bisseck late into the game which left both players, particularly Havertz, covered in blood.

After the game, Arteta offered an immediate update on his condition with it clear his availability to face former club Chelsea this weekend is in doubt. "Kai he has a big cut," he said. "He had to come off because he needed some stitches. Hopefully he will be OK for the weekend."

Mikel Merino, who was taken off at half time, also appeared to pick up a head injury in the 1-0 loss after his collision with Yann Sommer, though Arteta confirmed he did not suffer a concussion. Declan Rice did not even travel to Italy for the Champions League clash after picking up a knock against Newcastle last weekend.

While those are three injury concerns for Arteta, the Arsenal boss was handed a major fitness boost with Martin Odegaard making his long-awaited return against Inter. The club captain last played for the Gunners in late August with an ankle issue suffered representing Norway during the September international break.

Despite the fact he completed his first team training session on Monday and then played the final five minutes in Italy, the attacking midfielder was left out of Norway's squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures. However, the same treatment has not been taken with Havertz.

On Thursday, Germany confirmed he has been selected for their games next week against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary. With his issue only picked up on Tuesday, it is perhaps no surprise he was named but that could change once the full prognosis is revealed.

READ MORE: Merino handball, denied penalty and Arteta red card luck - Arsenal vs Inter Milan referee review

READ MORE: Chelsea sent triple boost ahead of Arsenal clash amid Mikel Arteta gift to Enzo Maresca

Rice also looks set to be away from London Colney this month with England announcing he is included in their 26-man squad. Though Arteta would prefer those carrying knocks to remain in north London over the two-week pause, he will undoubtedly want them in his starting XI at Stamford Bridge this weekend, which will reveal their fitness state.