Kai Havertz’s season was cut short by injury in early February. The German international suffered a torn hamstring in Dubai during the club’s warm weather retreat and has been out since. His absence left Arsenal without a recognised centre-forward, with the Gunners relying on Mikel Merino as a makeshift number nine in the months since.
After undergoing surgery shortly after the injury, it was confirmed that Havertz would miss the remainder of the season, much to the dismay of everyone connected to Arsenal. In spite of this, the player has defied expectations and returned earlier than anticipated. He rejoined first team training this week after spending three months on the sidelines. While his return is a major boost, it remains uncertain whether he is fit enough to start against Newcastle. The hope is that he will at least be named in the squad, with a view to featuring on the final day of the season.
Arteta awaits green light from medical staff
Speaking to the media ahead of the Newcastle fixture, Mikel Arteta provided an update regarding Havertz’s availability for Sunday. “We are going to decide that tomorrow,” the manager said. “He has done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days and looks in great shape, but I think it is 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 is required.”
With Mikel Merino suspended for the game (due to receiving a red card against Liverpool), Arsenal will be hoping Havertz can make the matchday squad. If he is able to start, it would mark the return of their highest goalscorer at a crucial time. With second place still up for grabs, Arsenal will need all the firepower they can muster against the Magpies.
Gunners desperate to avoid Newcastle clean sweep
Beyond the battle for league position, the Gunners will also be seeking to restore some pride after losing all three of their previous meetings this season. In fact, Arsenal are yet to score against Newcastle this term, having been beaten by an aggregate score of 5-0 across those encounters.
Havertz’s return would be a welcome lift, but if he does not make the starting eleven, who should lead the line in Merino’s absence?
Thoughts in the comments.
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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I’ve been reading that Kai’s taken this opportunity to bulk up, so we’ll probably see a very muscelly Havertz. Watch out central defenders😌
A lively return of Kia Havertz could complicate matters going into the transfer window.
No one is saying the Big German is a twenty goal striker, but it is belive Berta is not overly impressed with two of the gaffer’s hand pick targets.
As I understand it Berta has struck off Alvaro Marato and thinks Gyokers is a better fit than Sesko.
If Havertz starts next season as our number 1 striker we can’t win the title
Unlikely to be our number 1, but it will be good to have him back in the squad for his versatility.
With reports on disagreements on which striker we get, we may even end up with him as number 1 Dan.🤣
I do like him , does allot of things really well just not as a finisher
Not necessarily a number one striker for us, but could start in some games or come on in games where the formation adjusted to accommodate him in the final third.
Opposition players reported that Havertz is difficult to play against and he didn’t become a German International at such a tender age for nothing.
A bold and more meticulous approach from the dugout could see his productivity soars
A still think the Big German best years is ahead of him.
Doesn’t seem sensible to me.
I think Havertz will be direct competition for Odegaard next season as his best position is the AM role imo.
Yes Grandad, and with added physicality.
A think we need someone that exceed Odegaard creativity to compete with him.
Leverkusen Florians would start ahead of the Norwegian