Picture Credit: X
After an emphatic 3-0 victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, Arsenal now has more good news to celebrate and it’s about the fitness and availability of their key players. Speaking to the press ahead of the Gunner’s weekend Premier League fixture, manager Mikel Arteta issued important updates about the fitness of multiple players. This includes long-term absentee Kai Havertz and the architects of Arsenal’s recent victory against Madrid; Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. Both of these players had picked up knocks during that game and had been subbed off as a precautionary measure.
Talking about Kai Havertz, who has been out injured since February 2025, Arteta said, “Hopefully we can have Kai Havertz back before end of season.” Initial reports had suggested that Havertz was ruled out until June 2025 but his recovery process could expedite and we could see him in Arsenal colour’s soon before the season ends. Havertz had had a decent season under Arteta so far delivering 20 G/A in the 34 games that he has featured.
Declan Rice and Saka are fit: Arteta confirms availability of key players
Talking about the recent knocks of Saka and Rice, Arteta cleared the air about any possible injuries and said that the players would be available to play this weekend’s PL fixture as well the Champions League return leg next week. He said, “Declan Rice and Saka are fit, no issues or injuries. It’s all good.” Arteta also issued updates about the injury of young left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up a knee injury last month. He said, “Riccardo Calafiori is progressing really well. At the moment, giving a timeline is difficult but he is in a good place.”
It is expected that the 22-year-old defender will be back in the Arsenal squad at the end of the month. Talking about their upcoming fixture, Arsenal are set to take on Brentford as they will look to carry on their winning momentum from the Madrid fixture. Although a Premier League title looks beyond aspirational now with a 11 point gap separating the Gunners from league leaders Liverpool, the club will try their best to not allow the table-toppers to get comfortable.
