Arsenal Christmas joy boosted on December 23, 2025, as the club announced a major injury news. Kai Havertz has rejoined full training after four months sidelined by a knee issue. The German forward’s timely return fulfills Mikel Arteta‘s profound pre-Everton plea for squad build up amid a tired festive fixtures. With the Gunners perched on top of the Premier League post their 2-0 Boxing Day romp, the news of Havertz’s resurgence from injury injects firepower into Arsenal title dreams. This is necessary especially ahead of tonight’s League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
Havertz’s Long-Awaited Comeback
Havertz was absent since August with a knee ligament tear and a November rehab setback. He stepped onto the London Colney pitches this week, linking up with teammates for the first time since his ordeal. Arteta, beaming in his presser, revealed: “Kai’s back in training—it’s massive. He’s itching to contribute.” The £65m man’s versatility. He is a striker, No. 10, or deep-lying playmaker. He has been sorely missed, with Viktor Gyökeres shouldering the load admirably but fatigue creeping in.
Great to see Kai Havertz back in full first-team training after his long-term knee injury. ❤️
The German forward has been sidelined since August, but his return provides a timely boost ahead of a busy festive schedule.
Welcome back, Kai! 🔴⚪#Arsenal #Havertz pic.twitter.com/Lyib3xAXN3
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) December 23, 2025
Arteta’s Festive Plea Answered
Arteta’s wish crystallized post-Everton: “We need everyone firing—Kai’s return would be a dream before Palace.” Echoing that optimism, the boss hinted at a potential bench cameo tonight. Although caution prevails: “He’s close, but we won’t rush”. Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal’s rock at the back, also resumed sessions, doubling the delight and easing concerns over defensive depth.
🚨 Kai Havertz is BACK in Arsenal training with the first team after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He's worked extremely hard to be back & again impressed Arteta with his gym work & discipline during his recovery phase.
He will a key member in this Arsenal team as we… pic.twitter.com/T1j0IwrXMe
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) December 23, 2025
Boost for Title Dreams
This tandem tonic arrives as Arsenal navigate a congested calendar, with Liverpool and City lurking five points back. Havertz’s prior season haul—13 goals—underscores his X-factor; his pressing and link-up could unlock Palace’s stubborn setup under Oliver Glasner. Fans, starved of his flair, flooded socials: “Havertz back? Merry Christmas indeed!”
Arteta’s machine, already conceding a league-low 11, now eyes potency. If Kai Havertz features, it’s poetic—turning injury woe into festive fuel. Palace beware: Arsenal’s wishbone just got stronger.
As featured on GoonerNews.com