Kai Havertz is expected to return to full fitness in time to aid Arsenal’s Premier League title bid.
The German forward was hooked before half-time as the Gunners edged Newcastle at the weekend after going down with what appeared to be a thigh injury.
Speaking at full-time, Arteta insisted Havertz’s injury was merely a ‘niggle’ and that he hoped the player would be fit to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
He said: “I don't know how serious it is. It didn't look too big. The action, the way he describes it, is not too sharp. But we have to wait and see.”
Arteta’s assessment was not far from the truth. Standard Sport understands Havertz will miss the Champions League semi-final first-leg, but Arsenal are confident he will return before the season is out.
No definite return timeline has been set, though the injury is not as severe as Arsenal first feared.
The news will come as a relief for Havertz, who will expect to represent Germany at this summer’s World Cup.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have four Premier League matches remaining as they look to secure a first title since 2004.
They sit top of the pile as things stand, three points clear of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
For Havertz, this has been a season disrupted greatly by injury. He missed most of the first half of the campaign with a knee injury sustained on the opening day of the season.
He has tallied three Premier League goal involvements since making a comeback in January.
