Arsenal injury news: Major boost for Mikel Arteta as big name returns to training ahead of intense Premier League schedule
Kai Havertz has returned to training after Arsenal have been sidelined with a knee injury since the opening day of the season.
The Gunners hope to book their place in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, when they host Crystal Palace in the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta will deserve credit for reaching the last four of the competition given he has had to deal with numerous injuries within his squad, including that of striker Havertz.
The German has been a key part of the Londoners’ frontline but has struggled with fitness issues since the 2024-25 campaign, a season in which he only managed to play 23 Premier League games.
Havertz has now returned to training, with the German pictured with his team-mates ahead of the club’s match against Crystal Palace, although he will not play any part on Tuesday.
© Imago
Premier League title race: Can Arsenal stay top after injuries fade?
Arsenal leads the way in the Premier Leaguebut their total of 39 points is only two more than second-placed Manchester City and three more than third-placed Aston Villa.
Arteta oversaw a 1-0 win over Everton last weekendbut the victory was hard-fought, with the Spanish side struggling to create much in the final third.
Havertz’s return to the team will be a welcome addition, especially as Arsenal are likely to face a number of deep blocks over the coming weeks.
In the club’s next 10 Premier League games, they will face Brentford, Sunderland, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, with all of these teams likely to use defensive strategies.
The return of injured star Gabriel Magalhaes will also certainly be a boost in the final third given he has proven lethal from set pieces, and it would be no surprise if Arsenal’s performances improved over the winter months.
Could Kai Havertz replace Viktor Gyokeres in the Arsenal XI?
Arteta will also want Havertz back given number nine Viktor Gyokeres has struggled in recent weeks.
The Swede scored the winning goal from the penalty spot against Everton, but it was only his second goal in his last 11 Premier League matches.
Havertz excels when combining play with his teammates, even when fending off an aggressive defender, and that’s an area where Gyokeres has struggled.
Perhaps reinstating Havertz as a starter from the start would be beneficial for Arsenal, as it could make it easier for them to pose a threat in the opponent’s box.