Arsenal Injury Updates: Havertz, Rice, Timber, and More
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful of having German striker Kai Havertz back in his matchday squad for the first time in four months when the team faces Newcastle United on Sunday. According to Arsenal’s official website, Havertz returned to training this week in an open session at Emirates Stadium, a welcome surprise for those in attendance, including Arteta.
The news is a significant boost for Arsenal, as Havertz has been out of action since January due to a hamstring injury that required surgery. Initially, it was feared that he would miss the remainder of the campaign, but it appears that his recovery has progressed better than expected. As Arsenal’s official website reports, Arteta will discuss Havertz’s fitness with his medical team before deciding whether to include him in the teamsheet for the Newcastle game.
"We’re going to decide that tomorrow," Arteta said. "He’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days and looks in great shape, but I think it’s more of a shout for all the medical staff, the doctor especially to give the clearance and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he’s required." Arteta also praised Havertz’s work rate and the efforts of the medical staff, saying, "It’s unbelievable, his work rate and the work that he’s done. A lot of credit to the medical staff for the work that they’ve done throughout the last few months because between them they’ve been pushing each other."
As reported by Arsenal’s official website, Havertz’s potential return is a significant boost for the team, as he is an important player for Arsenal. Arteta added, "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. You see the transformation in him, which has been really impressive."
In addition to Havertz, there are also question marks over the fitness of other squad members, including Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli, who all picked up injuries in recent games. Jurrien Timber has also been struggling with injury, and Arteta will continue to assess their fitness before deciding on the team for the Newcastle game.
As Arsenal’s official website notes, Rice missed the game against Liverpool with a hip problem, while Trossard and Martinelli both picked up issues during the 2-2 draw on Merseyside last Sunday. Arteta said, "They’ve done parts of the session, not a complete session. We’re going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things that they haven’t done because they weren’t ready to do that at the end of the week."
The Arsenal manager will be hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from as the team looks to secure a win against Newcastle and maintain their push for a top-two finish in the Premier League. As Arsenal’s official website reports, the team will be looking to make a strong impression against Newcastle, with several players potentially making their way back into the squad.
The news of Havertz’s potential return will be a welcome boost for Arsenal fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to action. As Arsenal’s official website notes, the team has been working hard to get the striker back to full fitness, and it appears that his efforts are paying off.
This article is based on information from Arsenal’s official website. The article was published under the terms of a copyright agreement with the site, and all rights are reserved to The Arsenal Football Club Limited.
