Mikel Arteta makes shocking Kai Havertz admission ahead of potential Arsenal return
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz has undergone a remarkable physical transformation during his injury lay-off, describing the German forward as having taken his physique to “a different level.”
Havertz has been sidelined since February with a hamstring injury sustained during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. Initial fears suggested the 25-year-old would miss the remainder of the season, but he has made a swift recovery and returned to training this week.
Now, with Arsenal set to host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in their final home fixture of the campaign, Havertz could be in line for a surprise return.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta sends stark warning to Manchester United and the rest of the ‘Big Six’
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta praised Havertz’s dedication and the work done behind the scenes by Arsenal’s medical staff during the player’s recovery process.
Kai Havertz is back in training following his surgery in March (Image credit: Getty Images)“There’s been a transformation in his body,” said Arteta. “The last three years of his career have been so condensed that he hasn’t had the time to focus on this, and this injury created a window which he really wanted to use.”
The Arsenal boss explained that the enforced break provided a rare opportunity for Havertz to concentrate on building his strength and athleticism.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“The staff explained the opportunity to take his physique to a different level, and it’s also helped him mentally as a player,” Arteta added. “He got on board with it immediately and worked incredibly hard. He’s now smashing every gym metric we’ve tracked over the last decade — power, acceleration, muscle mass, agility — he’s improved them all.”
Arteta also highlighted how Havertz commitment has had a ripple effect on the rest of the squad, particularly among injured players.
“His mindset has been inspiring. Players who were also out injured saw how hard he was pushing, and it raised the standards in the building,” he said. “That’s what you want. When someone sets that standard, it pushes others to follow. It’s part of the culture we’re building here, and it will only make us stronger.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal stars issue major demand to Mikel Arteta for upcoming season
