Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said Kai Havertz is on course to return to action before the end of the season.
Havertz has been out since the start of February after undergoing hamstring surgery. At the time, it was thought his campaign was over as the club confirmed that his recovery was “expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season”.
However, Havertz has made good progress in recent weeks and could yet play in one of Arsenal’s remaining fixtures of the season.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta was asked if he could have Havertz available again before the campaign concludes.
“I think so, I think if everything goes the way it’s going at the moment and the way it’s planned, I think he will have a chance to play a few games in the season,” the Gunners boss said.
Riccardo Calafiori is another Arsenal player on the sidelines having picked up a knee issue while on international duty with Italy in March.
His availability would have been crucial for Arteta, particularly with Gabriel missing the rest of the campaign due to a hamstring injury.
However, the defender is still not ready to return as the Arsenal manager said: “He is out, still out.”
There is some positive news regarding Jorginho who has been absent since sustaining a rib injury in the draw at home to Brentford last month.
Whilst the experienced midfielder is not ready to return against Bournemouth, he could be back in action within the next week.
Arteta said: “He’s got a bit more complicated than expected. Thankfully, he’s fine, he’s feeling good, he’s recovering well, but it was a bit more than what we wanted.
“I think so [that he will be back before the end of the season] , if everything goes okay in the next week or so.”
