Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides positive update on Kai Havertz's recovery

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz could make a return before the end of the season.

The 25-year-old sustained a hamstring injury during the club’s mid-season training camp in Dubai in February, with initial expectations that he would miss the remainder of the campaign.

However, Mikel Arteta has now provided a more optimistic update regarding his recovery.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta said: “Hopefully, we can have Kai Havertz back before the end of the season.”

Earlier this week, Havertz shared a video montage on social media documenting his recovery, prompting many fans to believe that his return is imminent.

The German international required surgery to address the injury in February, but Arteta’s comments suggest that the player is making encouraging progress.

The potential return of Kai Havertz could provide a significant boost for Arsenal as they continue their Champions League campaign.

The Gunners secured a commanding 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Tuesday night, with a composed finish from Mikel Merino and two stunning free kicks from Declan Rice sealing the victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Should Arsenal progress through the second leg, they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals, scheduled for April 29 and May 6.

Ahead of their Premier League fixture against Brentford this weekend, Mikel Arteta also delivered a positive injury update on both Rice and Bukayo Saka, who were withdrawn in the second half against Real Madrid.

Arteta added: “With Dec and Bukayo, they’re both fit. So it was just a matter of two kicks, and they recovered well, so they are available for tomorrow.”