Credit: Getty Images

Evan Lloyd

Tue 23 December 2025 15:00, UK

Arsenal shared confirmation on Tuesday that Kai Havertz has finally returned to training after more than four months injured.

Havertz underwent knee surgery in August, after picking up an injury during his appearance off the bench against Manchester United on the opening day.

The Gunners had already signed Viktor Gyokeres, and the Swede was immediately thrust into a consistent starting role.

Having been set to miss out, Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze following news of the German’s injury.

Eze has enjoyed a strong start to his Arsenal career, and the England international may now finally get a chance to link up with Havertz.

Kai Havertz can provide alternative option for Arsenal

Gyokeres has been criticised for his performances this season, with the striker struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

The Swede thrived in Portugal, but he is still learning how to mould his game in order to beat a generally higher standard of defender.

Mikel Merino featured up front when the former Sporting CP forward was injured, but Mikel Arteta would prefer the option of the Spaniard in midfield.

Gabriel Jesus has also returned, but will be protected for the most part after recovering from a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament.

Havertz’s return will provide that further option that Arteta has craved, with the striker pictured scoring in training on Tuesday.

In some ways, the German could be presented as an amalgamation of all three of his team-mates.

The 26-year-old offers the height and much of the physicality of Gyokeres, the ability to drop into midfield like Merino, and the technical qualities of Jesus.

Speaking in 2024, Germany manager Julien Nagelsmann said: “Kai has made a big step forward in the last two years. He has the potential to be world-class in many positions.

“He runs an incredible amount and has become very clever.” “He is a smart person, very reflective, very modest,” the German added. “I hope that he continues to believe in himself.”

Havertz has already demonstrated his title-race ability

Havertz’s arrival from Chelsea in 2023 raised plenty of eyebrows. The German had struggled with the Blues, and was widely regarded as a Premier League flop.

Doubts grew when the midfielder endured a dismal opening few months with Arsenal, rarely scoring despite Arteta’s insistence on using him.

When the Spaniard decided to deploy the striker up front for a game against Liverpool in February 2024, however, everything appeared to click into place.

Havertz would score nine goals and provide seven assists as Arsenal won 14 of their next 16 Premier League games, narrowly missing out on the title by just two points.

Since then, the German has thrived, becoming a favourite among the Arsenal fans and often the man looked to for a key moment.

His return will be welcomed with open arms, as the Gunners look to finally complete what they set out to do over three years ago.