There is good news for Arsenal, since it looks like Kai Havertz is on his way to return from his injury. This will come in handy for Arsenal, since the Gunners are facing an issue on the frontline, and the return of Kai Havertz might mellow it down a bit. As per recent reports from Mikel Arteta, it looks like the German is on the way for an early return, which will in fact boost Arsenal for the upcoming matches.
Arsenal is on their way to face Ipswich in the Premier League and currently their position is 13 points behind Liverpool. Now with just 18 points remaining to gather if they are able to receive those in the remaining matches, Arsenal will be trying to focus on back-to-back wins so that Liverpool wins the title a bit late. However, no matter how well Arsenal plays at the moment, it won’t change the fact that Liverpool is winning the title.
Huge stakes ahead for Arsenal
At the moment, the North London Club have a big match ahead in form of the Champions League. That is facing Paris Saint-Germain. This will be the first ever Champions League title for the Gunners if they are able to win the semi-final leg. And also lastly, the coveted final. Just recently, Arsenal humbled Real Madrid in both the legs. They performed extraordinarily both at home and also in the Santiago Bernabeu. So yes, hopes are really high for the Arsenal fans this term.
Arsenal pushed their way through the semi-finals of the Champions League this term without even the presence of a striker. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were injured for a really long term. And now there is good news in the form of Havertz returning early. The German striker was out for a considerable amount of time because of his hamstring injury back in February.
Now, speculations were like Havertz won’t be able to play for the rest of the season. But the Spanish coach believes that the striker who has the most amount of goals this season would be present while Arsenal faces Paris Saint-Germain. That is in both the legs of the semi-final in Champions League.
Arteta stated while asked about the possibility of Havertz returning: “For the semi-finals? I think that is too close. But if I have to bet on him (being available) earlier than expected I would say yes.”
The Gunners relying on other key players in absence of strikers
Mikel Merino has been filling in as a backup forward during Kai Havertz’s absence. Thus, showcasing his versatility in Arsenal’s attack. However, the Spaniard is hoping to return to his natural midfield role next season. Particularly with uncertainty lingering over Thomas Partey’s future at the club.
Thomas Partey, 31, has delivered strong performances this season. Thus, reaffirming his value to Arsenal’s midfield. However, with his current contract nearing its end, speculation over his future continues to grow. Atletico Madrid are reportedly among the sides interested in bringing him back. Partey previously used to be the player of Atletico Madrid before joining the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Jorginho has his contract about to finish this summer. Hence, he will miss the upcoming trip to Ipswich after suffering a rib injury during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford last weekend. Riccardo Calafiori also remains in the sidelines as he continues to recover from a knee issue. Thus, further limiting Mikel Arteta’s midfield and defensive options.
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