Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Kai Havertz’s recovery and hinted that the German forward may return before the end of the season after it had been feared he would miss the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign with a hamstring problem.
Havertz picked up the injury in February, joining Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the treatment table in a challenging spell for the Gunners. With limited offensive options, Arteta looked to replace Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino up top with a move that has most recently resuscitated Arsenal’s scoring touch.
HAVERTZ CLOSER TO FITNESS
Although he has a few weeks to wait, Arteta is positive about Havertz’s progress. “If I had to gamble that he got back on the field sooner than we hoped, I would say yes,” Arteta said. “The way he comes in here every day and goes to work and pushes everyone — I don’t know how you can keep him back much longer.”
But the Champions League semi-final, which arrives on April 29 and May 7 against Paris Saint-Germain, is likely to arrive too early for Havertz.
Arteta also confirmed that defender Riccardo Calafiori was a possible returnee in time for the clash with PSG, while midfielder Jorginho is a doubt with a rib injury.
