Kai Havertz returns to FC Arsenal’s squad after a long injury break. However, the Gunners will have to do without a key player.
Kai Havertz has taken a decisive step closer to his longed-for comeback. The German international is back in FC Arsenal’s squad for the first time since the Premier League opener against Manchester United.
Havertz underwent knee surgery after the first matchday in August and has been missing for the Gunners ever since. He also missed large parts of the second half of last season due to a thigh injury.
Kai Havertz’s comeback is getting closer
Coach Mikel Arteta hinted at a Havertz comeback on Boxing Day, stating that the striker had returned to training on December 23. “I think it will only be a matter of days,” the Spaniard assessed the chances of an early return.
Great match! Havertz back, but a star is missing
After Havertz wasn’t yet fit enough for a squad spot against Brighton and Hove Albion, he now returns precisely for the top match against pursuers Aston Villa (from 9:15 PM in the LIVETICKER).
However, the league leaders will have to do without one of their most important key players against the Villans. Declan Rice injured his knee in the game against Brighton and was therefore absent on Tuesday evening. In his three seasons in London, the Englishman had only missed three games so far.
“Declan took a heavy blow to the knee during the game, right at the start of the match. When the game was over, his knee was heavily swollen. The game came too soon for him,” coach Arteta told Sky Sports before kickoff.
However, he did not expect a long break for Rice. “I hope he will be available again once the swelling has gone down.”