Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered a positive update on Kai Havertz’s injury recovery, revealing that the German midfielder could return to action earlier than expected a potential boost as the club chases its first Champions League title.
Havertz has been sidelined since February after suffering a hamstring injury during a mid-season training camp in Dubai. Following surgery, he was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but Arteta now says the 24-year-old is ahead of schedule.
“For the semi-finals? I think that is too close,” Arteta said during a press briefing. “But if I have to bet on him (being available)
earlier than expected, I would say: ‘Yes’.”
“The way he works, every day he is in the gym, pushing everybody, and I don’t think you can hold him back any longer.”
While a return against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals remains unlikely, there is growing optimism that Havertz could be available for the Champions League final in Munich on May 31 should Arsenal make it past the French champions.
In Havertz’s absence, Arsenal have found strength in depth, knocking out Real Madrid with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Their run has been all the more impressive given the simultaneous loss of Gabriel Jesus to injury.
Despite their European success, Arsenal’s domestic campaign has taken a hit. The club sits second in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool with six games to play, making a title comeback increasingly unlikely.
Still, the team’s performance in Europe has injected fresh energy into the squad, and Havertz’s rapid recovery has added further motivation. Though not yet cleared to return to full training, his presence around the team has been felt.
