Arteta hails ‘unbelievable’ Havertz recovery and says forward has ‘improved’ in some areas during spell out | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says he is expecting an improved Kai Havertz when the forward returns from injury.

The Germany international has not played for the Gunners since January after suffering a serious hamstring injury.

But he is now back in training and could play a part when Arsenal face Newcastle on Sunday.

“We’re going to decide that tomorrow,” Arteta responded when asked if Havertz will play.

“He’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days, he looks in great shape, but it’s more a shout of the medical staff, the doctors giving the clearance and how Kai actually feels to contribute if required.”

Arteta also hailed the 25-year-old for his hard work to come back from the injury before the end of the season.

“Unbelievable,” he said. “I think his work rate, the work he’s done. A lot of credit to the medical staff for the work that they’ve done over the last few months because between them because they’ve been pushing for each other.

“We know how important Kai is for us and the fact that he looks in great shape. I think he’s improved in a lot of the metrics that are very important for a striker to give himself the best chance and you see the transformation from him which is really impressive.”

Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber are doubtful for the game against Newcastle, however.

On the four, Arteta said: “They’ve done part of the session, not the complete session, so we’re going to have to wait until tomorrow to see if they can deal with things that they haven’t done because they weren’t ready to do that earlier in the week.”

The Gunners go into the game just two points ahead of Newcastle, who could move ahead of Arteta’s side and into second with a victory.

“It’s been a phenomenal effort form all of them under the circumstances,” Arteta said about his players ahead of the game. “The last home game is always a special occasion and it is our chance to wrap up Champions League qualification.

“A beautiful moment to say thank you to all of our supporters who have been on every journey and in every ground.

“It is maybe the biggest and best day in the season when you can say thank you to them and they can show what they think of the team.”