Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz could make a shock return before the end of the season, with the German midfielder’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing faster than expected.
Havertz was initially ruled out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing surgery on an injury sustained during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai back in February. Despite his absence, alongside that of Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 after a resounding 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.
Although Arteta dismissed hopes of Havertz being fit in time for the semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, he hinted the midfielder could return if the Gunners reach the final in Munich on May 31.
“For the semi-finals? I think that is too close,” Arteta said. “But if I have to bet on him (being available) earlier than expected, I would say: ‘Yes’. The way he works—every day in the gym, pushing everybody—I don’t think you can hold him back any longer.”
Arsenal’s impressive European run has offered consolation amid a fading Premier League title challenge. The Gunners are on course for a third straight second-place finish, currently trailing league leaders Liverpool by 13 points with only six games remaining.
Liverpool could seal the title as early as Sunday if they beat Leicester and Arsenal fall to struggling Ipswich. Arteta, however, insists his side will fight to prevent that.
“We’ll make sure that we win the game and that doesn’t happen,” said the Spaniard. “We need to step up and start to win the games.”
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