Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed optimism over Kai Havertz’s return this season, saying he’d “bet” on the German midfielder coming back sooner than expected. Havertz was initially ruled out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury picked up during a training camp in Dubai in February.
Despite the absence of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal powered into the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, defeating Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate. While Arteta dismissed the likelihood of Havertz being fit to face Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming semi-final clash, he hinted the midfielder could be available if the Gunners make it to the final in Munich on May 31.
“For the semi-finals? I think that’s too soon,” Arteta admitted. “But if I had to bet on him returning earlier than expected, I would. He’s in the gym every day, pushing himself and everyone around him. It’s hard to keep him back.”
Arsenal’s impressive European run has provided some relief amid a fading Premier League title challenge. Currently set for a third straight second-place finish, they trail Liverpool by 13 points with six matches to play. The title race could be mathematically over as early as Sunday if Liverpool defeat Leicester and Arsenal drop points against relegation-threatened Ipswich.
Arteta made it clear that Arsenal are still focused on finishing strong. “We’ll make sure we win our game and don’t let that happen,” he said of the possibility of Liverpool clinching the title this weekend. “We need to step up and keep winning.”
