Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz is in “great shape” ahead of a possible return to action against Newcastle this weekend.
The Germany international underwent surgery in January after picking up a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai and was initially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
Since then, he’s worked closely with the club’s medical team and, having taken part in training this week, could now be in line for minutes as Arsenal aim to seal Champions League qualification and second place.
“We’re going to decide that tomorrow,” said Arteta when asked if his striker will be part of Sunday’s squad.
“He’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days. He looks in great shape, but I think it’s more the shout of, first of all, the medical staff and the doctor especially, giving the clearance and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he’s required.”
Had Arsenal reached the Champions League final, there might have been greater urgency in pushing Havertz towards fitness. That said, it’s clear he’s been driven to return regardless.
Asked about the player’s work ethic, Arteta said: “Unbelievable. I think he’s worked great. The work that he’s done as well, a lot of credit to the medical staff for the work that they’ve done throughout the last few months, because between they’ve been pushing each other.
“We know how important Kai is for us. And the fact that he looks in great shape, I think he’s improved a lot of the metrics that are very important for a striker to give himself the best chance. And you see the transformation in him, which has been really impressive.”
Elsewhere, Arteta says decisions will be made on the availability of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber after their respective fitness issues.
Rice and Trossard both took part in an open session on Wednesday, which saw Martinelli briefly leave the field for treatment. Timber, like Rice, missed the weekend draw with Liverpool and was limited to watching from the sidelines.
“They’ve done part of the session, not complete sessions,” revealed Arteta.
“We’re going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things that they haven’t done because they weren’t ready to do that earlier in the week.”
Having lost three on the bounce to Eddie Howe’s side, Arsenal need a win to stop Newcastle leapfrogging them ahead of the final day — and Arteta is hoping the Emirates faithful can help lift his side one more time.
“It’s our chance as well to wrap up the Champions League, to put ourselves in a really strong position for the second place,” he said.
“As well, in a way, to say thank you again to all of our supporters for the amazing season. They’ve been on every journey, in every ground, making the effort to travel with us everywhere and at home as well.
“It’s the biggest, I think one of the best days in the season when you have to just say thank you to them and they can say what they feel as well about the team.”
He added: “We’re going to need a big one \[performance\] and be very clinical because we know the qualities of Newcastle.
“We know the results that we had lately against them and how thin the margins are with them and the fact that, especially how clinical we have to be in front of them to score the goals.”
On the threat posed by the visitors, who lifted the League Cup in April to end a 70-year wait for silverware, he said:
“A very difficult team for any opposition, I think. What Eddie, his staff and as a club what they’ve done in the last few years is remarkable.
“They’ve been very, very consistent, very difficult to play against, like we’ve been.
“They dominate almost every aspect of the game. They are great when they have to attack a low block and they have a lot of presence in the box.
“They need to go on set pieces, they need to go on transitions, they need to defend a low block or the game has to be physical — they are ready to do that.
“The way they compete, they are smart. They try to take advantage of a lot of things. Like any good team, you have to dominate a lot of things even though you’re not on the top of the table in this league.”
And on the importance of finishing second: “You have to be always as good as you possibly can. Obviously, the dream of winning the Premier League this season is gone. So, as we said, be the best of the rest and feel that pain to be better.”