Mikel Arteta has offered an encouraging update on Kai Havertz’s recovery as Arsenal prepare for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton.
The German international has not featured since August, after suffering a knee injury in the opening game of the season against Manchester United.
Havertz subsequently underwent surgery, ruling him out for several months and forcing Arteta to reshuffle his attacking options during a demanding period.
There had been growing concern among supporters in recent weeks after suggestions emerged that Havertz had suffered a setback.
However, Arteta hinted earlier this season that a return before the end of the year was possible.
Speaking on Friday, however, the Arsenal manager moved to ease those fears with a positive assessment of the midfielder’s progress. Arteta said:
“Progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks. We’re really positive that if everything continues like that, in the next training sessions he’s going to be with us quite soon.”
While the signs are promising, Arteta stopped short of confirming a specific match for Havertz’s comeback, stressing the importance of caution during the final stages of rehabilitation.
Arteta added when asked if he had a return date in mind:
“I do, I don’t want to say it because again I think in that last part of the rehab, especially after such a long time, we need to be cautious.”
Havertz’s return would be a timely boost for Arsenal as they enter a congested run of fixtures, with Arteta keen to avoid any unnecessary risks that could delay his full recovery.
🚨 Arteta: “Kai Havertz is progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks”.
“We are really positive, if everything continues like that, that he is going to be with us soon”. pic.twitter.com/3DFRh1YyuA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2025
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