Kai Havertz’s injury-plagued campaign continued on Sunday, as he missed out on Arsenal’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur. However, there is increasing optimism that the German will be available for selection again under Mikel Arteta at the start of next month.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice and delivered an outstanding performance for the Gunners in the North London Derby in Havertz’s absence. While the Swede has struggled at times in a red and white shirt this term, he has started to find his feet recently, lessening the need for Arteta to rush Havertz back from injury.
The former Chelsea striker has endured a miserable last 12 months, spending the majority of his time on the sidelines recovering from various setbacks. His recurring absence from Arsenal’s matchday squads has understandably raised alarm bells among supporters of the North London club, sparking discourse about the player’s long-term durability.
That said, journalist Miguel Delaney has offered some positive news that will certainly ease concerns on this front.
Arsenal are carefully managing Kai Havertz’s injury situation
In Friday’s pre-derby press conference, Arteta suggested that Havertz was close to a return to action. This positivity was then crushed at quarter past three on Sunday, when the forward’s name was nowhere to be seen on Arsenal’s teamsheet.
Fans immediately began to speculate about further setbacks for the player, with many starting to catastrophize the player’s situation. Given he’s started just two Premier League games since undergoing surgery in February of last year, supporters’ anxiety regarding Havertz’s fitness is entirely intelligible.
Those members of the Gunners faithful will be delighted to hear that Arsenal’s conservative management of Havertz’s reintegration is largely precautionary. Speaking on the Second Captains Podcast, Delaney revealed the intel he’s received on the 26-year-old’s circumstances.
“He’s got this knee injury, which he’s had actually throughout his career, and basically it just requires management,” Delaney said.
“From what I’ve been told, basically, some of the injuries he suffered in the last year have obviously kind of had some kind of temporary effect on his body, which means he just has to adjust again and manage it in a slightly different way, which has probably slowed his comeback.
“I think they’re still hopeful that he’s in the team again from March.”
Is Kai Havertz likely to play against Chelsea?
Havertz scored the winning goal in Arsenal’s last outing against Chelsea, rounding Rob Sanchez in the dying embers at the Emirates to send Arteta’s side into the Carabao Cup final. This was his third strike against the Blues since swapping West London for North, and it’s clear from his jubilant celebrations that he enjoys this specific fixture.
Arteta will be desperate to have the former Chelsea man available when Liam Rosenior’s side visit N5 on Sunday, but the Spaniard will have to remain cautious with the Germany international. Havertz has likely returned to training, but he’s not played a minute of football since Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland earlier this month.
The natural conclusion is that Havertz will make the squad on the weekend, although he’s unlikely to be named in the starting eleven. A cameo is certainly plausible, although Arteta will avoid taking unnecessary risks. It may be a case of break glass in case of emergency.
That said, it’s not unfeasible that the Gunners opt for an even more cautious approach and leave him out entirely until he’s completely ready.
