Mikel Arteta confident Kai Havertz will return before season ends

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Havertz is ahead of schedule in injury recovery and could return for Champions League final.

Kai Havertz of Arsenal during a training session at NAS Sports Complex on February 7, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident Kai Havertz will return before the season ends, providing a timely boost to the Gunners’ European hopes. The German midfielder has made significant progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury and could feature if Arsenal reach the Champions League final at the end of May.

Initially ruled out for the rest of the campaign after undergoing surgery on an injury sustained during a mid-season training camp in Dubai, Havertz was not expected to return to action this season. However, his rapid recovery has surprised the medical staff and impressed Arteta, who revealed the player's dedication has put him ahead of schedule.

“For the semi-finals? I think that is too close,” Arteta said on Friday. “But if I have to bet on him [being available] earlier than expected I would say: ‘Yes’. The way he works, every day he is in the gym, pushing everybody, and I don't think you can hold him back any longer.”

Arsenal’s European breakthrough softens domestic setback

Havertz’s absence has been felt in the Arsenal midfield, but the team has adapted admirably. Despite missing both Havertz and striker Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid. It marks the club’s first appearance in the last four of Europe’s elite competition since 2009.

Arteta’s men will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, but the manager tempered expectations about Havertz returning in time for that clash. The first leg is set to take place later this month, while the return leg follows a week later. If Arsenal can overcome the French champions, a final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31 awaits—a potential target for Havertz’s comeback.

While Arteta stopped short of naming the final as a firm goal for Havertz, he suggested it’s a realistic outcome based on the player’s current progress.

Havertz pushing boundaries in recovery

Arteta was full of praise for Havertz’s attitude during his rehabilitation. The 24-year-old, signed from Chelsea last summer, has been a regular presence at the club’s training ground despite being sidelined. His commitment and work ethic have raised hopes within the Arsenal camp that he could contribute before the season concludes.

“Every single day, he’s doing everything possible to be back. He’s not just working for himself—he’s motivating the whole group,” said Arteta. “When you see someone like that, it gives everyone a lift.”

Havertz’s return would provide Arsenal with another creative and physical option in midfield. His versatility has been a key asset for Arteta this season, particularly in high-stakes European matches where control and tactical flexibility are crucial.

Title race fading, focus turns to Europe

While Arsenal’s Champions League form has been encouraging, their Premier League campaign is fading fast. After leading the league during the winter months, the Gunners now trail leaders Liverpool by 13 points with just six matches remaining. A third straight second-place finish looks likely, unless Liverpool stumble and Arsenal mount a flawless late charge.

The title race could mathematically end this weekend if results go against the North London club. Liverpool are set to face relegation-threatened Leicester, while Arsenal visit struggling Ipswich. Should Liverpool win and Arsenal lose, the title would be out of reach for Arteta’s side.

Arteta, however, rejected the idea of giving up on the league, pointing out that Champions League qualification for next season is not yet secure.

“We’ll make sure that we win the game and that doesn’t happen,” he said when asked about the prospect of Liverpool clinching the title on Sunday. “We need to step up and start to win the games.”

Managing expectations and building for the future

Despite the disappointment in the league, Arteta is confident that Arsenal are heading in the right direction. Reaching the Champions League semi-finals is a clear sign of progress, and the potential return of a key player like Havertz only adds to the optimism around the Emirates.

With an eye on the future, Arteta is managing expectations while still demanding the highest standards from his squad. The focus for now is simple: finish strong in the league, keep momentum going, and make the most of their chance in Europe.

The manager’s trust in Havertz’s recovery could prove crucial. If the German can return in time for a potential final, it would not only be a personal triumph but a significant tactical advantage for Arsenal. His experience, physical presence, and composure in big games could make the difference on the biggest stage.

What Havertz brings to the table

Havertz’s season has been a mixed one, with moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of inconsistency. But his ability to play across multiple positions—midfield, forward, or even as a false nine—gives Arteta flexibility in setting up his team.

In European matches, where tactical nuance often decides tight contests, Havertz’s intelligent movement and ball retention have stood out. His contributions earlier in the season helped Arsenal progress through the group stage with relative ease and maintain possession-based dominance against top opponents.

His absence has forced Arteta to adjust, often relying more heavily on Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Emile Smith Rowe in midfield. While those players have stepped up admirably, having Havertz back would allow Arteta to rotate more freely and adapt to different game scenarios.

Road ahead for Arsenal

As the final stretch of the 2024–25 season unfolds, Arsenal face six more Premier League matches alongside their Champions League semi-final tie. Balancing both competitions will be a challenge, but Arteta insists the team remains fully focused.

“Every game now is a final,” he said. “We want to end the season with something to celebrate, and we’re still in a position to make that happen.”

Much will depend on squad depth, individual form, and injury recoveries—including that of Kai Havertz. If he can return in time for a European final, it would be one of the season’s most uplifting storylines for Arsenal and their fans.

For now, Arteta remains hopeful, and the fans will be watching closely as Havertz continues his push to return—perhaps just in time for the biggest night of all.