Mikel Arteta says the injured Kai Havertz will be back for Arsenal "earlier than expected" but the Paris Saint-Germain games may be too soon for him.
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Arsenal star Havertz tears his hamstringBacked to return "earlier than expected"Arteta issues verdict on possible PSG returnFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Havertz tore his hamstring back in February, and it was expected that he would be out for the rest of the season. However, manager Arteta says he doesn't think the German can be held back for much longer, but their Champions League semi-final fixtures in the coming weeks against PSG are likely to be "too close".
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID
He told reporters on Friday: "Semi-finals? I think that's too close. But if I had to bet on him earlier than expected, I would say yes. The way he works every day in that gym, pushing everybody, I don't think you can hold him much longer."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite missing the last two months of action, Havertz is still Arsenal's top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals, and his presence up front has left Arteta short of options. But it seems the 25-year-old may only return for their final Premier League matches rather than the mammoth tests against PSG – following a 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Arsenal host PSG in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final on April 29, before travelling to Paris for the return fixture on May 7. It remains to be seen when Havertz will feature once again for the Gunners.
