Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out the possibility of Kai Havertz returning to the field before the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Germany international suffered a severe hamstring injury during Arsenal's winter training break in Dubai back in February, which led to him undergoing an operation.
At the time, Arsenal said that the attacker would be missing for the remainder of the season, but it is understood that Havertz has made excellent progress in his rehabilitation.
On Thursday, the 25-year-old released a video on social media showing his recovery, and Arteta was then asked about the forward during his press conference on Friday afternoon.
Step by step. pic.twitter.com/baWRnS0ima
— Kai Havertz (@kaihavertz29) April 10, 2025
Havertz could return before the end of the season
Arteta said that a return before the end of the campaign cannot be ruled out, with the Gunners potentially being involved in the final of the Champions League after the Premier League season ends.
"Let's see. Every injury is the same. The mindset of those two players [Saka and Havertz] is very similar. Great injury history, work ethic, desperate to get back as quick as possible. A great medical staff to look after them," said the manager.
"Hopefully we can have him, but let's wait. But the last stage of the rehab, it's when you can understand better to make that last step."
Havertz has again been the subject of criticism this season, but he has managed 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances for Arsenal and is believed to be firmly in Arteta's plans even if a new centre-forward were to arrive this summer.
© Imago
Saka, Rice both fit to face Brentford
Arteta also revealed during his press conference that Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice would both be fit for Saturday's Premier League clash with Brentford after suffering knocks against Real Madrid in the Champions League last time out.
Saka put in an outstanding performance in a wide area against Los Blancos, while Rice scored two spectacular free kicks in what was a famous 3-0 victory for the North London outfit.
"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," confirmed the Arsenal boss.
The Gunners will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, but the second-placed capital outfit are 11 points behind division leaders Liverpool with only seven games of the campaign left to play.
Matt Law
