Arsenal forward Kai Havertz won’t return to full fitness before early to mid-January, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claims that the German international needs longer to recover from the knee surgery he initially had back in August.
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Havertz was very close to playing again last month, before a setback forced him back on the treatment table.
At the time, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said that the 26-year-old would likely be available for selection “towards the end of the year”.
However, it appears he may need slightly longer than that in order to return to training.
How many more games will Havertz miss?
The German is expected to be unavailable for Arsenal’s next five fixtures in all competitions, at the very least.
Havertz has been ruled out of contention for the Everton match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend, the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening at the Emirates, as well as the upcoming league games versus Brighton (h), Aston Villa (h) and Bournemouth (a).
Which match could the Arsenal star make his comeback?
At the moment, it seems the Gunners are hoping that Havertz could make the matchday squad when they face Liverpool on January 8th, although it is felt that the FA Cup tie against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on January 11th is the more realistic date.
Havertz has already missed four months, and it seems like he will require another three weeks or so before he is ready to play again.
Considering the struggles that Viktor Gyokeres is experiencing leading the line, Havertz’s return will be welcomed by manager Mikel Arteta, who will be keen to have another option up front, along with Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino, to choose from.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here