Arteta hints Havertz could be back before end of season

Kai Havertz is on course to make his return from injury earlier than expected, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal have been without a recognised striker since Havertz tore his hamstring in February, joining Gabriel Jesus in the treatment room.

But, while it had been expected that Havertz would miss the remainder of the season, their extended run in the Champions League could offer the German a route back before the end of the season.

Arsenal face Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Easter Sunday, trailing leaders Liverpool by 13 points with 18 to play for. But a loss to the Tractor Boys, coupled with a Liverpool win over Leicester City, would finish the title race.

But following their 5-1 aggregate victory over Champions League holders Real Madrid in the quarter-final, just Paris Saint-Germain stand in their way of reaching the final.

Should they make it through the semi-final, Arteta hinted that Havertz could be available for selection.

“For the semi-finals? I think that is too close,” he said.

“But if I have to bet on him [being available] earlier than expected, I would say ‘yes’.

“The way he works, every day he is in the gym, pushing everybody, and I don’t think you can hold him back any longer.”

Mikel Merino has acted as a makeshift striker in Havertz’s absence, netting six goals in all competitions, but will be expected to drop back into midfield when the German is fit again.

The final is scheduled to be played on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with one of Arsenal or PSG facing either Barcelona or Inter.

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On Wednesday night, we became the first team, either domestically or in European competition, to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on each of our first two visits

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