Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz is making faster-than-expected progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury, with manager Mikel Arteta expressing optimism that the German international could return in time for the Champions League final at the end of May.
Havertz suffered the injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai back in February and subsequently underwent surgery. Initial assessments suggested that he would be sidelined for the rest of the season, a major blow to Arsenal’s domestic and European ambitions. However, recent updates from the club suggest that the 25-year-old could be back sooner than originally anticipated.
Speaking about Havertz’s rehabilitation, Arteta praised the midfielder’s dedication and hinted that his return could come earlier than many expect.
“For the semi-finals? I think that is too close,” Arteta said. “But if I have to bet on him being available earlier than expected, I would say: ‘Yes.’ The way he works, every day he is in the gym, pushing everybody, and I don’t think you can hold him back any longer.”
Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, and while Havertz is not expected to be fit in time for those encounters, the possibility of him featuring in the final on May 31 in Munich remains on the table provided Arsenal can navigate past the French champions.
The Gunners have defied expectations in the Champions League this season, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Their stunning 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals was a clear statement of intent and showcased their growing maturity and resilience on the European stage.
This deep European run has helped ease the sting of another faltering Premier League title bid. Despite a strong start to the season, Arsenal now find themselves 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool, with only six matches remaining. A third consecutive second-place finish looks likely unless there is a dramatic twist in the final weeks of the campaign.
To compound matters, Liverpool could mathematically secure the Premier League title as early as this Sunday if they defeat Leicester and Arsenal slip up away at relegation-threatened Ipswich.
Arteta remains focused on ensuring his side finishes the season strongly and emphasized the importance of maintaining their domestic form not only to keep pressure on Liverpool but also to ensure Champions League qualification for next season.
“We’ll make sure that we win the game and that doesn’t happen,” Arteta said, referring to the possibility of Liverpool clinching the title this weekend. “We need to step up and start to win the games.”
Arsenal have been managing the absence of both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in recent weeks, relying on depth and tactical flexibility to stay competitive on multiple fronts. The return of Havertz would offer a major boost in midfield and attack, particularly if the team advances to the Champions League final.
His ability to contribute creatively and his experience in high-stakes matches could be invaluable in a potential clash against either Bayern Munich or Manchester City, the two other semi-finalists.
With the season entering its decisive phase, Arsenal’s hopes of silverware rest heavily on their European campaign. And if Havertz continues to progress at his current rate, he might yet have a part to play in what could be a historic end to the Gunners’ season.
