Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Champions League are at an all-time high after Mikel Arteta’s team beat Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday.
The Gunners raced into an unassailable lead against Los Blancos, courtesy of a brace of free-kicks from Declan Rice and a strike from Mikel Merino.
Arteta’s side travel to the Bernabeu next week with an opportunity to secure their place in the semi-final of Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2009.
The final takes place on the 31st of May, and one injured star could well make his return for it.
Mikel Arteta provides Kai Havertz injury update
Kai Havertz returned to the Arsenal training ground this week, posting a video of himself riding a bike in the gym.
The German has been out of action since early February, after sustaining a severe hamstring injury during the Gunners’ mid-season warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
The initial medical assessment indicated Havertz would be out until the start of next season, although images emerging of him in the gym this week have sparked hope amongst Arsenal fans that the striker could play again this season.
The former Chelsea man’s hamstring injury has been compared to Bukayo Saka’s, and if the number nine returns in a similar time to the winger, he would be available for a potential Champions League final.
Asked about this in his press conference on Friday, Arteta provided an update regarding Havertz’ fitness status.
“Let’s see,” he said.
“Not every injury is the same, but the mindset of the two is very similar. Great injury history, great work ethic, desperate to get back to playing as quick as possible and great medical staff to look after them.
“So, hopefully we can have him, but let’s wait. Once you get to the last stage of that rehab you can understand how close or far you are to making that next step.”
Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka
Saka limped off against Real Madrid, as did Declan Rice.
This has prompted fears that both players could be unavailable for the second leg against Real Madrid.
However, Arteta calmed these nervous about the two players on Friday.
“With Dec and Bukayo they are both fit. It was just a matter of two kicks, so they are available for tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss also provided an update on Riccardo Calafiori’s rehabilitation, with the Italian out of action since suffering a knee injury whilst on international duty last month.
“Ricky is progressing really well, I think to give you a timeline is difficult because he needs to step up with more people around him and see how he reacts after that, but he’s in a good place I think.”
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