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Mikel Arteta expressed he was "hopeful" that Kai Havertz would be fit for the second leg of Arsenal's Champions League semifinal clash against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday evening.
The elusive forward has a tremendous influence on the team's attacking unit when used as the lone striker, possessing a skillset filled with greater finesse and ingenuity than Viktor Gyökeres's physical, direct style of play. Unfortunately for Arteta, his preferred center forward simply hasn't been available consistently enough.
Havertz has already sat out 40 matches through injury this season, making just one start across the entire Champions League campaign. After picking up another knock in last weekend's tight win over Newcastle United, the German once again missed the first leg against Atlético in Madrid. However, there is renewed optimism that the 26-year-old will be fit for the return match.
What Injury Does Kai Havertz Have?
When a visibly dejected Havertz walked off the Emirates pitch and headed straight down the tunnel during the first half of Arsenal's most recent home fixture in April, serious concern arose. The Germany international appeared to go down without any contact, receiving medical attention before covering his face as he departed the field.
Arteta, true to form, has declined to share many specifics regarding the exact nature of Havertz's injury—understandably, as that could hand the opposition even the slightest edge. Nevertheless, reports suggest the graceful playmaker is dealing with a hamstring problem. A muscular complaint kept Havertz sidelined for three weeks in February, while a knee injury had disrupted the opening four months of his campaign.
When Will Kai Havertz Return From Injury for Arsenal?
"Hopefully for Atlético he will be available," Arteta disclosed ahead of Arsenal's home fixture against Fulham on Saturday—a match Havertz was already ruled out of. "He's pushing every boundary."
Havertz could still play a pivotal role for Arsenal in Europe's top club competition—even if he doesn't feature from the start on Tuesday. It was as a substitute that he netted the only goal across both legs of a hard-fought Champions League quarterfinal triumph over Sporting CP last month.
Gyökeres drew some credit for his energetic display against Atlético, converting Arsenal's penalty and fashioning their best chance from open play, which Martin Ødegaard wasted after managing to hold off the relentless Marcos Llorente during one driving run down the flank. However, that successfully taken spot kick was Gyökeres's sole shot of the entire match.
There is little question that some contribution from a healthy and in-form Havertz would go a long way in strengthening Arsenal's underwhelming attack.