Kai Havertz returns to Arsenal training | OneFootball

Kai Havertz has returned to training ahead of schedule in time for Arsenal’s last two Premier League games of the season.

The German has been missing since February with a hamstring injury which was initally believed to be the end of his season.

Arsenal face Newcastle on Sunday as they look to confirm a second place finish and Havertz could be in contention to get some game time in this fixture.

The Gunners have struggled with the absence of the versatile midfielder who has been playing up front for the majority of this season. Without him midfielder Mikel Merino has had to deputise in the striker position.

The German’s return could not have come at a better time for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Merino’s red card against Liverpool rules him out of facing his former side so Arteta could be forced to throw Havertz straight into the side to cover for the Spaniard.

Havertz remains the club’s leading scorer having netted nine goals in 21 games in the Premier League and will be hoping that he can get to double figures in the last two games of the season.

Liverpool have been free flowing going forward and have recorded 17 more goals than Arsenal this season. If Arsenal did have their striker for those months of the season then they may have had a better chance at winning the title.

Declan Rice missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool with a muscular issue but he was also pictured training ahead of the game against Newcastle so he could be back in the team.

The England midfielder was key in their wins against Real Madrid so his return would be a welcome one for the Gunners.

Despite good news about Rice and Havertz there is some bad news for Arsenal fans. Jurrien Timber was missing from training which could mean he misses Sunday’s match against the Magpies.