Havertz Near Arsenal Return as Arteta Expects Fresh Dimension to Attack
Kai Havertz is close to making his return to Arsenal after undergoing knee surgery in August and experiencing a rehabilitation setback. Manager Mikel Arteta expects Havertz to return within days rather than weeks. Havertz, who was Arsenal's top Premier League scorer last season with nine goals despite hamstring issues, has been pictured training and was close to selection for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
Arteta stated that Havertz will bring a different dimension to Arsenal's attack. Upon his return, he is expected to compete for the central forward role with recent £64m signing Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is doubtful due to a knee injury, Piero Hincapié is sidelined with an unspecified injury, and Gabriel Magalhaes could return in the new year. In central defence, Riccardo Calafiori is expected to continue alongside William Saliba in what will mark the eighth different pairing used this season.
Arsenal currently top the Premier League and lead the fair-play standings having received only 22 bookings from 17 games with no dismissals. This marks a significant improvement compared to last season, when they had six red cards, including a second yellow for Declan Rice against Brighton in August 2024.
