Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that forward Kai Havertz could return from injury before the end of the season, boosting the Gunners’ bid for Champions League glory. Havertz was expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in February, but recent videos on social media have sparked hope that he could be back in time for a potential Champions League final appearance.
Arteta expressed optimism about Havertz’s recovery, saying, “Hopefully we can have him back before the end of season. Let’s see. Every injury isn’t the same. Great work ethic, desperate to get back playing as quick as possible – and a great medical staff as well to look after them.”
The return of Havertz would be a massive boost for Arsenal, who have been forced to use Spain midfielder Mikel Merino as a striker in his absence. Havertz has scored 17 times in all competitions this season and has the experience and quality to provide a huge lift if he can return in time for the closing weeks of the season.
Arsenal are already on a high after producing a stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg. Arteta praised the team’s performance, saying, “There has been an unbelievable energy around the place. It was a very special night. That’s over and now our full focus is on Brentford because it is a game that will require the best of us.”
Arteta also discussed the team’s strategy for managing player fatigue, saying, “Just normality. This is our context, play every three days and playing in different competitions on the biggest stages. Playing in Europe then coming back and facing a different challenge in the Premier League. If you want to become a team that has the capacity to win in any of those then you have to do it every three days, regardless of the scenario.”
The Gunners will face Brentford on Saturday, with the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid looming on Wednesday.