Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that fans may yet see Kai Havertz back in action before the end of the season, despite initial fears the German forward would be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Havertz suffered a hamstring tear while blocking a shot during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in February. At the time, reports indicated the injury would rule him out for the rest of the season. However, recent updates suggest a faster-than-expected recovery, and Havertz could be reintegrated into the squad soon.
According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old’s rehab is progressing well, and Arsenal are cautiously optimistic about his return — so long as it doesn’t compromise his long-term fitness.
Arteta added fuel to that optimism in a recent press conference, stating: “Hopefully we can have him, but let’s wait. Once you get to the last stage of the rehab is when you can better understand how close or far away you are to making that next step.”
Arteta’s injury assessments have occasionally raised eyebrows, with the manager often keeping details under wraps to keep rivals guessing. Oleksandr Zinchenko once revealed that Arteta has even asked injured players to appear fully fit when arriving at stadiums, in an effort to mislead opposition teams.
That strategy has paid off before — Gabriel Martinelli made a surprise return earlier this season weeks ahead of schedule, and Bukayo Saka’s carefully managed comeback after a three-month absence highlights the club’s cautious approach to reintroducing key players.
Though Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have faded, Havertz could still feature in their European campaign. The Gunners are in a strong position after a stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals and could face Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, with the two legs scheduled for April 29/30 and May 6/7. The final is set for May 31 in Munich.
In Havertz’s absence — along with Gabriel Jesus — Arteta has turned to an unlikely solution up front, repurposing Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. Originally a defensive midfielder, Merino has thrived in his new role, netting six goals in nine appearances, including the third against Madrid.
With Havertz edging closer to fitness, Arsenal could soon have more firepower as they chase European glory.
