Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered a boost to the club’s Champions League hopes, revealing that Kai Havertz could return from injury before the end of the season.
The German forward was initially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai in February, which required surgery. However, recent social media footage showing Havertz stepping up his rehab has sparked optimism over a potential comeback.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford, Arteta shared an encouraging update.
“Hopefully we can have him back before the end of the season,” he told reporters on Friday. “Every injury is different. He’s working hard, desperate to get back, and we’ve got a great medical team helping him through.”
A return from Havertz would be a timely lift for the Gunners, who have been without both him and Gabriel Jesus, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino into a more advanced role. Despite some criticism of his finishing, Havertz has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and brings valuable experience, including a Champions League final winner for Chelsea in 2021.
His return would be especially significant if Arsenal reach the final of this season’s Champions League, having taken a commanding 3-0 lead over Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.
“There’s been unbelievable energy around the club since that night,” Arteta said. “But now our focus is fully on Brentford. That game will demand the best of us.”
