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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that forward Kai Havertz may yet feature again this season, raising hopes of a timely return as the Gunners chase Champions League glory.
The German international was initially feared to be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai back in February. The setback required surgery, but recent videos shared on social media show the 25-year-old making significant progress in his rehabilitation.
Havertz’s potential return could coincide with a crucial Champions League run-in, as Arsenal aim to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. They currently hold a commanding 3-0 lead over Real Madrid from the first leg of their quarter-final.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford, Arteta gave an optimistic update on Havertz’s recovery.
“Hopefully we can have him back before the end of the season,” said the Spaniard. “Let’s see. Every injury is different. He’s got a great work ethic and is desperate to get back playing as soon as possible, and we have a fantastic medical staff working with him.”
“When you get to the latter stages of rehab, you start to get a clearer picture of how close the player is to returning.”
Arsenal have been short of attacking options, with Spain midfielder Mikel Merino having to fill in up front due to the absence of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Havertz has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and, despite some criticism over his finishing, his big-game experience—having netted Chelsea’s winner in the 2021 Champions League final—could prove invaluable.
The north London club are riding high after what many consider one of their finest European results, and Arteta is keen to maintain focus.
“There has been unbelievable energy around the place. It was a very special night. But that’s in the past now—our full focus is on Brentford because it’s a match that will demand our best,” he said.
With Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid on the horizon, Arteta remained tight-lipped over possible squad rotation for the Brentford fixture.
“It’s just normality for us now—playing every three days, switching between competitions and delivering on the biggest stages,” he said. “If we want to be a top side, we have to be able to perform consistently, no matter the circumstances.”
Declan Rice was the standout performer against Real Madrid, scoring twice from set-pieces—his first goals from free-kicks in professional football. Arteta believes Rice has more to offer in attacking areas.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about. The different ways he can create moments in and around the box—whether through crosses or scoring goals—he has all the attributes,” Arteta said. “He can arrive late into the box, dribble past players, and shoot from distance. We’re working on developing him into someone who can decide matches with a variety of skills.”
