Is Kai Havertz fit to play for Arsenal against AFC Bournemouth? Injury latest and FPL update

Kai Havertz is in a race against time to be available for Arsenal against AFC Bournemouth - after picking up a knee injury before October's international break.

Arsenal are back in action when they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have the in-form Kai Havertz available, after declaring him as a doubt for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.

The 25-year-old, who has scored in each of Arsenal's last four matches across all competitions, also missed both of Germany's Nations League games in October's international break. It was reported that the former Chelsea star had picked up a knee injury following the 3-1 win against Southampton on October 5.

At that time, The German Football Federation said: "Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems. National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz's place.

"Get well soon, Kai! We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!"

Havertz (£8.3m) is the joint-third most expensive forward in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) alongside Newcastle's Alexander Isak, and behind Ollie Watkins (£9.1m) and Erling Haaland (£15.4m).

He has accumulated the fifth-highest amount of points from forwards, too, with 40 points from seven games and 20 per cent of managers who play that popular online game will now be sweating over his fitness.

Here, football.london takes a look to see if Havertz will be available against Bournemouth;

What has been said about Havertz's injury?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta revealed if Havertz "trains well today he has a good chance to play" against Bournemouth. Arteta said: "He had a few issues but we're dealing with it. He's been absolutely brilliant. He has good communication with the national team manager. Again, if he trains well today (Friday), he has a good chance to play tomorrow (Saturday)."

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Will Havertz be fit to face Bournemouth in GW8?

There's a good chance that Havertz will be fit for Arsenal against Bournemouth. Considering the brilliant form the German is in - especially compared with Gabriel Jesus - then it might be worth the risk to play Havertz to see if he can continue his excellent scoring run, which dates back to the Carabao Cup tie at home to Bolton.

Arteta said during his press conference that it does depend on whether Havertz comes through Friday's training session unscathed. If he does and is feeling fit, there's chance that he starts the match.

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