LONDON, April 19 — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed confidence that Kai Havertz will return before the season ends, as his recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing faster than expected.
LONDON, April 19 — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed confidence that Kai Havertz will return before the season ends, as his recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing faster than expected.
The German international was initially expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for an injury sustained during Arsenal's warm-weather training camp in Dubai in February.
Despite the loss of both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal managed to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, securing a memorable 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid.
Arteta downplayed the possibility of Havertz being fit in time for the semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but he is expected to be available if Arsenal reaches the final in Munich on May 31.
“For the semi-finals? I think that’s too soon,” said Arteta. “But if I had to bet on him returning earlier than expected, I’d say: ‘Yes.’ The way he works, he’s in the gym every day, pushing everyone, and I don’t think you can hold him back much longer.”
Arsenal’s successful European campaign has somewhat softened the blow of their Premier League title hopes fading. The Gunners are on track to finish second for a third consecutive season, but they trail Liverpool by 13 points with just six matches remaining.
The title could be decided as early as Sunday if Liverpool beats Leicester and Arsenal loses to struggling Ipswich.
Arteta is determined to prevent that from happening and warned against easing up in the league, as Champions League qualification for next season is still not secure.
“We’ll make sure we win the game and prevent that from happening,” Arteta added, referring to the potential for Liverpool to clinch the title on Sunday. “We need to step up and start winning games.” — AFP
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