Arsenal manager Kai Havertz has confirmed forward Kai Havertz could return from his hamstring injury in Sunday‘s meeting with Newcastle United.
Havertz was initially expected to miss the remainder of the season after being struck down in January, but Arteta has offered increasingly optimistic updates on the German‘s condition in recent weeks and was particularly full of praise in the build-up to Sunday‘s game.
“Unbelievable,” Arteta said. “I think his work rate, the work that he’s done as well, a lot of credit to the medical staff for the work that they’ve done throughout the last few months, because between then they’ve been pushing each other.
“We know how important Kai is for us. And the fact that he looks in great shape, I think he’s improved a lot of the metrics that are very important for a striker to give himself the best chance. And you see the transformation in him, which has been really impressive.”
Now back in training, Havertz will face a late fitness test as Arteta contemplates reinstating the German for Sunday‘s crucial meeting with Newcastle. Both sides are battling to qualify for the Champions League, but neither have secured their spot at this point.
