Arsenal have been boosted by the return to fitness of Kai Havertz ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton.

Havertz missed the 3-1 win at Brentford on New Year’s Day due to illness after a sickness bug hit the Arsenal squad.

But Mikel Arteta has confirmed Havertz should be fit for the trip to the Amex Stadium on Saturday, as Arsenal bid to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

“Yes, I think so, yeah,” said Arteta, when asked about Havertz. “The ones with the illness I think they are going to be okay, hopefully. They will train today and, if everybody is fine, they should be available.”

Arteta has also revealed Raheem Sterling is making good progress in his recovery from his knee injury.

The winger, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea in the summer, injured his knee during a training session last month.

Sterling has missed Arsenal’s last three games, but he is making good progress in his recovery and Arteta hopes to have him back soon.

“I think he is starting to do some stuff on the pitch,” said Arteta, who is set to be without Bukayo Saka for a few months after hamstring surgery.

“So, that’s great news. As quick as possible we want him available. Let’s see how he progresses next week and then see if we can get him available for the following week.”

Arsenal remain without Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while Jurrien Timber is banned for the Brighton game after picking up five yellow cards in the Premier League this season.

“Ben is still a few weeks away and Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, but now we have to see,” said Arteta.

“It has been a long-term injury and we need to see how quickly he can progress, and how that knee reacts – but hopefully it’s good.”