Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claims that Kai Havertz is making “really good” progress in his recovery from knee surgery.
When asked about the German’s fitness (and Viktor Gyokeres’s) in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, Arteta replied:
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“Really good, both of them. In the next few days, they’re going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and where we can push them for the weekend.”
The Gunners boss’s comments indicate that Havertz and Gyokeres could be named in the matchday squad to face Chelsea on Sunday.
Havertz’s availability for the Chelsea fixture would be a surprise
Speaking early last week, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann stated that the forward had suffered a “minor relapse” in his recovery.
He went on to say that Havertz may only be fit again “towards the end of the year”, which was interpreted to mean that he could be out of contention for another month.
Arteta’s comments do suggest that Nagelsmann was either misinformed or misquoted.
Latest Arsenal injury update
In addition to the news about Havertz and Gyokeres, Arteta also had more good news to share about captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian was not in the matchday squad for the North London derby, but he could well be on the bench to face Bayern if he passes a fitness test.
Odegaard has not played since the beginning of October after picking up a knee injury during the 2-0 win over West Ham.
It appears that Arsenal’s treatment room could be nearly empty soon. Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke both returned against Tottenham, while Gabriel Jesus is in full training. The only long-term absentee is Gabriel, who sustained an adductor injury whilst on international duty with Brazil.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here