Arteta Hints at Havertz’s Potential Return Before Season End to Strengthen Arsenal’s Champions League Campaign Following Injury Setback
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal forward Kai Havertz could make a surprise return from injury before the end of the season, offering a significant boost to the Gunners’ hopes in the Champions League.
Havertz had been expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai back in February. The Germany international required surgery, and it appeared his season was over. However, recent videos showing Havertz stepping up his rehabilitation have sparked optimism that he could return in time for a potential Champions League final.
Arsenal produced a dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Tuesday, as they chase their first-ever Champions League title. Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford, Arteta provided a positive update on Havertz’s recovery.
“Hopefully we can have him back before the end of the season,” Arteta said to reporters on Friday. “Let’s see. Every injury is different. He has a great work ethic and is desperate to get back as quickly as possible, and our medical staff is doing a fantastic job to support him.”
This would be a massive boost for Arsenal, who have had to rely on Spain midfielder Mikel Merino playing as a striker in the absence of both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Havertz, who scored Chelsea’s Champions League final-winning goal in 2021, has found the net 17 times in all competitions this season. Despite some criticism of the 25-year-old’s finishing, his experience and quality could be invaluable if he returns in time for the crucial closing stages of the season.
Arsenal are already in high spirits following one of the club’s greatest-ever results against Real Madrid. However, Arteta insists the focus now shifts to Brentford.
“There has been unbelievable energy around the place. It was a very special night. But that’s over, and now our full focus is on Brentford because it’s a game that will require the best of us,” said Arteta.
With the second leg in Madrid coming up on Wednesday, Arteta would not reveal whether he would rest key players against Brentford.
“It’s just normality. This is our context – playing every three days on the biggest stages. Playing in Europe and then coming back to face a different challenge in the Premier League. If you want to be a team that can win in any of these situations, you have to be able to do it every three days, regardless of the scenario,” Arteta said.
Declan Rice was the hero for Arsenal against Real Madrid with two stunning free-kicks in the second half. The England midfielder had never scored from a free-kick in his career until then, but Arteta is hopeful Rice can add a regular goalscoring threat to his game.
“That’s something we discuss a lot,” Arteta said. “He has the qualities to create moments in and around the box, whether through crosses or goalscoring. He can run into the box, dribble past players, and has a powerful shot from distance. That’s where we are heading with him—to make him someone who can decide games with different tools.”
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