Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that five key players, including top scorer Kai Havertz, remain injury doubts ahead of their crucial Premier League encounter with Newcastle United on Sunday.
Havertz, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that required surgery, was expected to miss the remainder of the season. However, in a positive development for the Gunners, the German international has made remarkable progress in his recovery and was spotted participating in training sessions earlier this week.
"We're going to decide that tomorrow. He's done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days," Arteta told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "He looks in great shape but the medical staff need to give clearance and how Kai feels."
Despite missing over three months of action, Havertz remains Arsenal's leading goalscorer this season with nine Premier League goals and 15 across all competitions, underlining his importance to the team's attacking threat.
In addition to Havertz, Arteta confirmed that four other pivotal players - Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jurriën Timber - will also need to be assessed on Saturday before their availability can be determined.
"We're going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things they have not done [in training sessions]," the Spanish tactician explained.
The timing of these potential injury returns could be crucial for Arsenal as they enter the final stretch of the Premier League season. With just two matches remaining, the Gunners will be hoping to have their strongest possible lineup available for what could be decisive fixtures in their campaign.
Arsenal's home clash against Newcastle United is scheduled for Sunday, with the North London side looking to maintain their momentum in what has been a fiercely contested Premier League season.
