Kai Havertz has been sidelined for four months with a knee injury, but the German forward looks to be one step closer to returning to Arsenal.
Kai Havertz appears to have made significant progress towards his return from a long-term knee problem. The Germany star has been sidelined for the past four months with a knee injury, but was spotted on the grass at London Colney ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
After a brief substitute appearance in the opening game of the season against Manchester United, Havertz developed a knee problem that required minor surgery. He was expected to return in late November or early December, but was sidelined during this period.
There have recently been concerns that he may be experiencing another setback in his rehabilitation. However, Arteta appeared to have allayed those concerns ahead of the win against Everton.
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The Arsenal manager revealed about Havertz: “He has progressed really well and quite quickly in the last few weeks.
“We are really confident that if everything continues like this in the next training session, he will be with us.”
Arteta’s comments appeared to prove true after Havertz was spotted in training on Monday night. The Gunners also shared three photos of the 26-year-old working in the gym with the message: “One step at a time.”
Havertz’s return will be a big boost for Arteta ahead of a busy Christmas fixture list, but it comes with fresh concerns as Pierrot Hincapie was missing from Monday’s training photos.
Former Man City striker Gabriel Jesus is also being treated with caution after a long spell on the sidelines and could start in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game after making some promising cameos.
Arteta said: “Yes, he is (ready to start). You can see how much he wants it, not just in the games but in training every day. He deserves to get his chance right away.”
However, the Gunners still face some injury problems. Gabriel Magalhães, Cristian Mosquera, Ben White and Max Dorman are currently absent.
The former has been absent since the international break in November, but he is close to making a comeback and could potentially return before the end of the year.
Arteta made the comments earlier this month. “He’s been pushing as hard as usual every time he’s been out and he’s progressing very well. He’s had pitch sessions so the distances aren’t too far apart. We’ll have to see how he progresses in the final stages of his rehabilitation, but we’re very positive about him.”
Arsenal have a great chance of securing a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals as they face a significantly weakened and potentially exhausted Palace team.
Oliver Glasner is without Daniel Muñoz and Daichi Kamata through injury, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is also dealing with issues that could require surgery.
