Arsenal’s Arteta Suggests Havertz Might Make an Earlier Return from Injury Than Anticipated

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has expressed confidence that Kai Havertz will return to action before the conclusion of the season, as his recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing more quickly than anticipated.

The German international was initially expected to miss the rest of the season following surgery on the injury he sustained during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai back in February.

Despite the setbacks of losing both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal has advanced to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, achieving a remarkable 5-1 aggregate triumph over Real Madrid.

Although Arteta played down suggestions that Havertz might be fit in time for the clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, he remains hopeful that the midfielder could be back in contention if Arsenal reaches the final in Munich on 31 May.

“For the semi-finals? I believe that is pushing it,” Arteta noted.

“But if I were to wager on him being available sooner than anticipated, I would say: ‘Yes.’

“He is working exceptionally hard, spending every day in the gym and motivating everyone around him, and I don’t think it will be long before he is back.”

Arsenal’s impressive European campaign has somewhat eased the disappointment of their Premier League title aspirations fading away.

The Gunners are on track to secure second place for a third straight season but find themselves 13 points behind Liverpool with only six matches left to play.

If Liverpool manages to defeat Leicester and Arsenal falters against struggling Ipswich, the title could be clinched as early as Sunday.

Arteta is determined to avert this scenario and has cautioned against complacency in the league, as qualification for next season’s Champions League has yet to be secured.

“We will ensure that we secure a victory and that does not occur,” the Spaniard insisted regarding the possibility of Liverpool clinching the title this weekend.

“We need to raise our performance and start winning these matches.”