Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz is on track to return to action before the end of the season, following up on earlier comments that hinted at the possibility of a surprise comeback for the Arsenal forward.
Havertz, who suffered a serious hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai in February, was initially expected to be sidelined until the 2025–26 season. At the time, the club announced the injury required surgery, and a long recovery was anticipated.
However, Arteta raised hopes last month by suggesting that Havertz’s determination and physical condition might allow him to return ahead of schedule.
Speaking in March, the Arsenal manager said: “Hopefully, we can have him back [before the end of the season]. Let’s see, every injury isn’t the same. The mindset of those two [Saka and Havertz], though, is very, very similar. [He has a] great injury history, great work ethic, he’s desperate to get back playing as quickly as possible, and great medical staff as well to look after them.”
Now, ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, Arteta has provided a more specific assessment of the forward’s status.
“If everything goes the way it’s going at the moment, he will have a chance to play a few games before the end of the season,” Arteta said.
The possibility of a return could be a significant boost as Arsenal prepare for a decisive run of fixtures.
After facing Bournemouth, Arteta’s side travel to Paris to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
That is followed by matches against Liverpool at Anfield, Newcastle United at home, and a trip to Southampton on the final day of the Premier League season.
Should Arsenal overcome PSG, they will contest their first Champions League final since 2006.
If Havertz is indeed available for any of those fixtures, his return could add depth and flexibility to a squad that is being stretched across multiple fronts. Whether it’s as a starter or an impact substitute, a fit-again Kai Havertz might yet have a role to play in what remains of this campaign.
As for Jorginho, he could also feature again before the end of the season, with Arteta confirming it wasn’t a broken rib. “It got a bit more complicated than expected,” Arteta said. “He’s fine, he’s recovering well.”
Asked if we would see him again, Arteta replied, “I think so yeah.”
Jorginho is set to be released early from Arsenal to join Flamengo next month.
Riccardo Calafiori is also still out despite an initial expectation he would return in the middle of April.