Kai Havertz Could Make Shock Return Before Season Ends, Confirms Arteta

Kai Havertz

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz could return before the end of the season, despite undergoing hamstring surgery in February. Initially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, the German forward is now recovering ahead of schedule, offering the Gunners a timely boost in their push for silverware.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered a major boost to fans by revealing that Kai Havertz could return to action before the end of the season, despite initial fears that the German international would miss the remainder of the campaign.

Havertz suffered a torn hamstring during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai earlier this year. The injury required surgery, and early assessments suggested he would be sidelined for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

However, in a recent press update, Arteta hinted at a potential early return for the 25-year-old forward. “Semi-finals? I think that’s too close. But if I had to bet on him returning earlier than expected, I would say yes,” said the Arsenal boss. “The way he works every day in that gym, pushing everybody—I don’t think you can hold him much longer.”

Havertz, who has scored 15 goals across all competitions this season, has been documenting his recovery on social media, with a recent video showing him undergoing rehabilitation exercises in the gym.

While his return won’t be in time for the UEFA Champions League semi-final ties against Paris Saint-Germain on April 29 and May 7, his availability later in the campaign could be crucial as the Gunners aim for both European and domestic glory.

Arteta has had to adapt in Havertz’s absence, deploying Mikel Merino in a makeshift striker role. With injuries and suspensions affecting key players, including Thomas Partey, who will miss the first leg of the PSG clash due to suspension, the manager also hinted at tactical flexibility.

“There are a few options,” Arteta explained. “We’re considering players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, or even Jurrien Timber playing further forward. It all depends on how comfortable they are and how we can best exploit the spaces against PSG.”

The news of Havertz’s potential return, coupled with Bukayo Saka’s recent comeback from a similar hamstring injury, is a welcome lift for Arsenal supporters as the season reaches its climax.