Mikel Arteta says injured Arsenal star could return before end of the season but reveals possible midfield issue for PSG clash | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has not ruled out Kai Havertz returning from injury in time to help Arsenal to try to win the Champions League.

Arsenal booked their place in the semi-finals after knocking out Real Madrid thanks to victories in both legs.

Havertz has been absent since February after suffering a serious hamstring injury while on Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai.

The Germany international underwent surgery and was expected to miss the rest of the season, but Arteta has been encouraged by his recovery and says it is a possibility that he plays again before the season is finished.

“I think that’s (PSG game) too close, but if I had to bet on him earlier than expected, I would say yes,” Arteta said when asked about the forward’s recovery.

“The way he works every day in the gym, pushing everybody, I don’t think you can hold him (back) for much longer.”

Arsenal travel to Ipswich on Sunday and along with Havertz, are also set to be without Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori.

Jorginho was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Brentford after taking a heavy blow and is still not fit enough to return.

Arteta also admits he is unsure whether the Italian midfielder will be back in time to face PSG, with Thomas Partey also suspended for the first leg.

On whether Jorginho could return in time to face PSG later this month, Arteta said: “That’s a question for the doctors.

“It’s quite specific and a difficult matter so I will leave that for the club.”

Calafiori, meanwhile, continues to rehab his knee injury which he suffered while on international duty with Italy.

Arteta hopes the defender will be back to face the French champions, adding: “If everything goes well, I think so.

“Maybe a little bit earlier so let’s see. He’s on the pitch already, he’s doing quite a lot of stuff and we just need to make the right steps now to make sure that when he’s back, he’s in a good place to perform.”