Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz has used his three-month spell on the sidelines to transform his body and, in doing so, set a new standard for how to approach injury recovery.
Described as a “genetic powerhouse” and “very robust” by his manager back in February, the Germany international, in keeping with Arsenal’s luck this season, tore his hamstring the following week and required surgery.
Initially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, the 25-year-old has defied expectations by returning to full training ahead of the final two fixtures against Newcastle and Southampton.
His first appearance back in front of the cameras came during Wednesday’s open training session at Emirates Stadium, and it didn’t go unnoticed that the usually lean and rangy Havertz has clearly bulked up.
“There’s been a transformation in his body,” revealed Arteta in Friday’s press conference.
“It’s been so condensed the last two to three years of his career and he hasn’t had time to do that.
“It was a window [being injuryed] and he really wanted to use it. And to be fair as well, the staff, they explained the opportunity with his physique to go to a different level and things he can improve that are going to be instrumental to be an even more effective player.
“He got on board with that, he started to work, he feels better. You can see his presence. I think he destroyed every metric that they had in there for the last 10 years.”
Asked what those metrics were, Arteta continued: “All of them. Power, acceleration, muscle mass, the way that he has increased certain capacities in his body, his agility. He’s been incredible.
“I was talking to the medical staff the other day and they were talking that for someone that is not in the team to have that mindset, the only thing that he’s done is just raise the standards in that building.
“Because then the other ones that were injured were looking at him and saying, I’m going to look bad if I don’t do the same. So, that’s part of the culture.
“I’m very grateful because when the players that are not playing are doing that, he’s just raising the bar for the next one to come.
“If he’s not at that level, he’s going to get exposed. So, that will make us better.”
Despite missing three months through injury, Havertz remains Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with nine goals in 21 appearances.
Whether he retains his role as the focal point of the Gunners’ attack next season remains to be seen, with Mikel Arteta expected to strengthen his squad with a recognised number nine.
Whoever comes in, Arteta insists the £65 million signing is a big part of his plans.
“One of the biggest qualities of Kai is his versatility but also goal threat wherever he plays. And he’s so intelligent.
“He will play as a nine. He will play as an attacking midfielder. And he’s going to be super important for us as a team.”