In a stunning development that’s set the football world abuzz, Arsenal has dropped a major hint about the return of their star forward Kai Havertz. The Gunners shared a cryptic yet optimistic three-word update—”Step by step”—alongside images of the German international grinding away in the gym at London Colney. This comes as Mikel Arteta edges tantalizingly closer to his dream scenario: a fully fit squad amid a grueling festive fixture pile-up.
Havertz, the 26-year-old talisman who joined Arsenal with high expectations, has been sidelined for a grueling four months due to a persistent knee injury. The issue first flared up after a brief substitute appearance on the season’s opening day against Manchester United, necessitating minor surgery. Initial timelines pegged his return for late November or early December, but setbacks kept him on the treatment table longer than anticipated.
Fans had grown increasingly anxious amid whispers of a fresh complication in his rehab. However, Arteta poured cold water on those fears ahead of the recent victory over Everton, stating: “He’s progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks. We are really positive that if everything continues like that in the next training sessions, he’s going to be with us.”
Those words were seemingly validated on Monday evening when Havertz was spotted back on the grass during training sessions before Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace.
The club’s social media channels amplified the excitement by posting three snapshots of Havertz in action, captioned with the now-iconic “Step by step.” This subtle bombshell signals that the forward is inching toward full fitness, providing a massive boost for Arteta as the Christmas schedule intensifies.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect—or precarious. Arsenal’s injury list remains a headache, with key defenders like Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, and young prospect Max Dowman all out of action. Gabriel, absent since the November international break, is “pushing hard” and could return before year’s end, per Arteta’s update: “He’s evolving really well, he’s doing pitch sessions so he’s not too far—we are quite positive about him.”
Adding to the mix, former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is being managed cautiously after his own extended layoff. His recent cameos have been promising, and Arteta confirmed: “Yes, he is [ready to start]. You can see now, not only in games, every day in training, how much he wants it. He’s going to deserve a chance soon.” This positions Jesus as a potential starter in the upcoming cup tie.
On a concerning note, new worries emerged with Piero Hincapie absent from Monday’s training photos, while the team grapples with other absences.
Yet, Havertz’s progress stands out as the silver lining, potentially allowing Arteta to unleash his ideal attacking lineup just when it matters most.
Facing a depleted Crystal Palace side—missing Daniel Munoz and Daichi Kamada to injuries, plus Jean-Philippe Mateta nursing a problem that required surgery—Arsenal have a golden opportunity to advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals. With Havertz’s return on the horizon, the Gunners could be primed for a festive surge, turning Arteta’s dream of squad depth into reality.
As the Premier League’s relentless pace continues, this three-word teaser from London Colney might just be the spark Arsenal needs to ignite their title charge. Stay tuned—step by step, the North London giants are rebuilding their arsenal.