Mikel Arteta hopes to have Kai Havertz back in his matchday squad for the first time in four months when we face Newcastle United on Sunday.
The German striker returned to training this week in an open session at Emirates Stadium, and as much as a nice surprise for those in attendance, it was the same for the boss who has been without the forward since he required surgery on a hamstring injury sustained on our warm-weather training camp in Dubai back in January.
It was an earlier than expected comeback for Kai, who it had been initially feared would miss the remainder of the campaign, but while Mikel will discuss his fitness with his medical team before scribbling Havertz on the teamsheet this weekend, he hopes those chats will be positive.
On whether he’ll play against the Magpies, Mikel suggested: “We're going to decide that tomorrow. He's done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days and looks in great shape, but I think it's more of a shout for all the medical staff, the doctor especially to give the clearance and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he's required.
“It’s unbelievable, his work rate and the work that he's done. A lot of credit to the medical staff for the work that they've done throughout the last few months because between them 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. You see the transformation in him, which has been really impressive.”
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There are a few more question marks over some other members of the squad heading into the game between two teams jostling for second spot. Declan Rice missed the game against Liverpool with a hip problem, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both picked up issues during the 2-2 draw on Merseyside last Sunday.
Jurrien Timber has also been struggling with injury lately, and the boss will continue to assess them all before deciding on who will face the Magpies.
“They've done parts of the session, not a complete session,” he added. “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 that at the end of the week.”
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