Arsenal fans received a glimmer of hope on April 11, 2025, as manager Mikel Arteta suggested that star forward Kai Havertz could return from injury before the Premier League season concludes.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Arteta offered a cautious but optimistic update on the German international, who has been sidelined since February with a hamstring injury sustained during a set-piece against Manchester United. “Kai’s progressing well,” Arteta said. “We’re hopeful he can be back before the season ends if everything aligns and it’s safe for him to play. There’s still a lot to play for.”
Havertz, 25, had been a linchpin for Arsenal before his injury, contributing seven goals and five assists in 22 appearances this season, including a match-winning header against Ipswich in December. His versatility, shifting between false nine, attacking midfielder, and winger, has been central to Arteta’s fluid system, making his absence keenly felt during a congested fixture list.
The injury, initially feared to rule him out until June, sparked concerns about Arsenal’s attacking depth, with Gabriel Jesus also nursing a knock and Bukayo Saka only recently back from a long layoff. Arteta’s comments suggest Havertz is ahead of schedule, though he stressed the club won’t rush his recovery with crucial matches looming, including a potential title-deciding run-in.