Arsenal handed major injury boost as Mikel Arteta faces new selection dilemma | OneFootball

Gunners’ squad continues to look a lot healthier ahead of busy festive period

Kai Havertz has returned to first-team training in a major boost for Arsenal.

Havertz took part in training on Monday, ahead of Arsenal's match at home to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The club shared footage of Havertz completing finishing drills, having walked out onto the training pitch at London Colney alongside captain Martin Odegaard.

As is often the case when Arsenal players return after long-term injuries, his team-mates welcomed Havertz back by lining up to form a tunnel and slapping him on the back as he ran through.

The German is known for being meticulous with his recovery from injuries, impressing those within the club with the dedication and speed with which he is able to make progress.

Havertz suffered a torn hamstring back in February and had been expected to miss the rest of last season, but returned for the final two matches of the campaign.

The quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night will come too soon for Havertz, but his involvement in training marks a significant step forward heading into the busy festive period.

"Yeah, he's progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said last week.

"If things progress well, he will be with us soon. I don't want to say [what game he will return for] because in that last part of rehab, I think we need to be cautious.

"We need to be firm that when he's back, he's back for the long-term."

Last month, Arteta again turned to Mikel Merino to lead the line as injuries left him without a recognised striker.

However, Havertz's return will provide further competition up front, with Gabriel Jesus now back after an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Viktor Gyokeres at full fitness again after a hamstring issue.