Kai Havertz is on track to make his return from the injury earlier than expected, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal has been without a recognized striker since Havertz tore his hamstring in February and joined Gabriel Jesus in the treatment room.
But although it was expected that Havertz would miss the rest of the season, their extensive run in the Champions League could offer the German a route for the end of the season.
Arsenal faces the city of Ipswich in the Premier League on Easter Sunday and follows leaders Liverpool with 13 points with 18 to play for. But a loss for the Tractor Boys, in combination with a Liverpool victory on Leicester City, would finish the title race.
But after their 5-1 aggregated victory over Champions League holders Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, only Paris Saint-Germain stands in the way of reaching the final.
If they endure the semi -final, Arteta hinted that Havertz could be available for selection.
“For the semi -final? I think that's too close,” he said.
'But if I have to bet on him [being available] I would say 'yes' earlier than expected.
“The way he works, every day he is in the gym, pushes everyone, and I don't think you can stop him longer.”
Mikel Merino has succeeded as an improvised striker in the absence of Havertz and has delivered six goals in all competitions, but is expected to fall back to midfield when the German is fit again.
The final is planned to be played on 31 May in the Allianz Arena in Munich, with one of Arsenal or PSG opposite Barcelona or Inter.
2006 2025
On Wednesday evening we became the first team, in our own country or in the European competition, to beat Real Madrid in the Bernabeu at each of our first two visits
– Arsenal (@ARSENAL) April 18, 2025