Mikel Arteta has shed light on the fitness progress of Kai Havertz, offering both optimism and caution about his return.
Arteta gives his take on return of Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz has been ruled out since the start of the campaign. That has left Arsenal short on attacking options. As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta gave an update on the striker’s return.
The boss said: “With Kai, we know that it will be months with him. I don’t know if it can be weeks, you never know because this is Kai and he’s a different specimen.
“We really miss him. Hopefully, he will be back soon.”
His words also show how key Havertz is to the team. That is not just for his ability to score goals but for his tactical awareness in Arteta’s setup.
Arsenal’s attacking balance
The absence of both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus has forced Arsenal to lean heavily on Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede has carried the load up front since joining. He has stepped up impressively, giving the Gunners consistent output. The new signing is showing he can handle the pressure of being the main man.
At times, Mikel Merino has also been pushed into advanced roles. But, it’s Havertz who provides a natural second option in attack when fit. His return is likely to bring a different variation to Arsenal’s team. He will be adding depth and balance to a attack that has managed but not thrived without him. That said, Havertz’s return could be the extra spark needed for the long grind of the season.
Author’s Opinion:
Arteta’s update might not be concrete, but it shows the manager values Havertz’s role far beyond numbers. With Gyokeres keeping things steady, Arsenal can afford patience, but the striker’s return could be the game-changer in the months ahead.
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