Kai Havertz has been sidelined with an injury for several weeks, and the general expectation had been that he would not feature again for Arsenal until the end of the current season. His absence has been keenly felt by the team, especially given his consistent form prior to the setback.
Havertz had established himself as a vital figure in the Gunners’ lineup, and his absence has forced the coaching staff to adapt. In his place, Mikel Merino has stepped into the striker’s role. While Merino has worked hard to fill the gap, it is evident that Havertz offers a more natural fit in that position, having developed a strong understanding of the team’s attacking patterns. His intelligent movement and ability to link up play have made him a key component in Mikel Arteta’s system.
Although the initial prognosis suggested he would be out until the final weeks of the campaign, there appears to be a growing sense of optimism around his recovery. Arsenal could still be playing competitive matches deep into May, particularly if they reach the final of the UEFA Champions League, and having Havertz available for such a crucial fixture would be a significant boost.
Speaking about the possibility of Havertz returning in time for a potential Champions League final, Mikel Arteta said, as quoted by France24: “For the semi-finals? I think that is too close. 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.”
Arteta’s comments suggest that Havertz is making strong progress in his recovery and could feature again sooner than originally anticipated. While no definitive timeline has been provided, the player’s determination and commitment to regaining fitness may result in a timely return during the business end of the season. His comeback could provide the team with a crucial lift as they pursue success on the European front.
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Havertz should be available for our last league match on 25 May if he has a good recovery. Pretty similar timeline to Saka and it was rumored Saka was worse. Now based on what Arteta is saying could be that he is ahead of schedule so maybe the Newcastle game 1 week earlier.
Does it really matter that much whether Havertz is available or not.Except that it would give Arteta another “option”.Merino has niw effectively also been converted from an attacking left 8 into a false 9 role.In most respects his conversion mirrors that of Havertz with similar results when compared to the end of last season and with far better effect when compared to this season.Neither is the long term answer in a 9 role if Arsenal are to want that player to score goals on a more regular basis and neither are going to.take Arsenal to the next level playing in the attacking left sided attacking midfield role.I would even go so far as to say that Mikel is likely the better option and if this is the case does Kai become surplus to requirement at £265k per week?
This would be Massive, he’s a big game player alright.
I can see us in the final with some sort of tussle in the box, with this huge figure getting a final touch as the ball trickle across the line, almost in slow motion, with everyone looking on.
He certainly will keep the spirit high
Wouldn’t it be something if Kai returned and had the kind of impact Saka has had. Like Gunsmoke has said, he is a big game player and one of the players in the squad who has played in a Champions League final. He has also scored the winning goal in a final. He’s also one of our best penalty takers and that could come in handy if the game is decided on penalties. It would be a big boost if he could play a part.
Merino would still start the final. Why mess with what works in the moment? If we make the final he can have an impact off the bench.