Arsenal Receive Kai Havertz Injury Boost as Two Stars Miss Training Ahead of Fulham Clash

 

Arsenal have received a glimmer of good news in their ongoing injury saga, as Kai Havertz edges closer to a long-awaited return. However, the joy was somewhat dampened when two key players — Martin Zubimendi and Ben White — were spotted missing from the club’s latest training session. With Mikel Arteta juggling a growing injury list, the manager faces yet another test of Arsenal’s depth and resilience ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixtures.

Havertz Nearing a Comeback

Kai Havertz’s absence has been one of the most frustrating storylines for Arsenal fans this season. The German international, who underwent knee surgery nearly two months ago, has been sidelined since his brief cameo in Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United. That 31-minute appearance remains his only outing of the campaign so far.

The initial prognosis hinted at a lengthy layoff, with Arteta refusing to commit to a firm return date. However, recent developments from the club’s medical team suggest Havertz’s recovery is ahead of schedule. The midfielder has been progressing steadily, showing no signs of discomfort in light fitness drills, and could make a surprise early return — possibly before the North London Derby against Tottenham next month.

Arteta, who has often emphasized patience when it comes to long-term injuries, acknowledged the significance of Havertz’s rehabilitation. “With Kai, we knew it would be months, not weeks,” he said in late September. “We really miss him — he gives us a unique balance in midfield and in the final third. The important thing is to make sure he’s back for the long term.”

The Long Road Back

Havertz’s injury woes began during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai earlier this year, where a hamstring problem flared up and eventually required surgical intervention. It was a crushing blow for both the player and the team, as Havertz had started to find his rhythm in Arteta’s evolving system. His absence left Arsenal without one of their most versatile attacking options — a player equally capable of operating as a false nine, a creative midfielder, or a supporting forward.

Fans will recall that this isn’t Havertz’s first comeback battle. Last season, he fought his way back from another lengthy spell on the sidelines, managing cameo appearances in the closing two matches of the campaign — 14 minutes against Newcastle and 19 minutes against Southampton. Those brief outings offered a glimpse of his determination to contribute despite physical setbacks.

If his recovery continues at the current pace, Arsenal’s No. 29 could be back in full training within the next fortnight — a timeline that raises hope he could feature in at least one of the upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace, Brighton, or Burnley before the November international break.

Arsenal’s Mounting Injury List

Unfortunately, the Havertz optimism was counterbalanced by more worrying developments at London Colney. Thursday’s training session revealed that both Martin Zubimendi and Ben White were missing from the main drills.

Zubimendi, who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer and has quickly become a midfield linchpin, was seen watching the session from the sidelines alongside sporting director Andrea Berta. Wearing a coat and shorts, the Spaniard appeared to be nursing a minor issue, though the club has not yet confirmed the nature of the concern.

Ben White’s absence, however, raised more eyebrows. The dependable right-back has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers under Arteta, rarely missing a game. Sources suggest his omission was precautionary, possibly due to muscle tightness picked up during the previous match. Still, with the congested fixture list ahead, Arsenal can ill afford further setbacks.

Pressing Concerns for Arteta

Arteta is due to address the media later today in his pre-match press conference, where updates on both players are expected. The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse — Arsenal are set to play four matches in just 12 days, including a must-win encounter against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Adding to the strain, several first-team regulars — Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, and Piero Hincapie — remain sidelined with their respective issues. Odegaard’s knee problem has lingered longer than anticipated, while Madueke’s muscle strain, sustained during international duty, has forced him out of training entirely.

Jesus, who continues to struggle with recurring hamstring discomfort, is being closely monitored, while new signing Hincapie has only just returned to light sessions after missing five consecutive matches due to a groin injury.

That leaves Arteta facing a daunting task: how to rotate effectively while maintaining Arsenal’s place near the top of the Premier League table.

The Return of Piero Hincapie

If there’s one positive amidst the gloom, it’s Piero Hincapie’s return to the grass. The Ecuadorian defender, acquired to add depth to the backline, was spotted back in full training earlier this week. His comeback offers much-needed relief, particularly with Takehiro Tomiyasu’s form fluctuating and White’s availability now uncertain.

Hincapie’s pace, tactical intelligence, and left-footed balance give Arsenal greater flexibility — especially when Arteta opts for a back three in buildup. His absence in recent weeks has been felt, particularly during moments when Arsenal’s defensive transitions appeared shaky. If fit enough, Hincapie could even make his debut in the upcoming clash against Fulham, potentially partnering Gabriel Magalhães or providing cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

How Arsenal Could Line Up Against Fulham

With so many moving pieces, Arteta’s lineup decisions will be under scrutiny. If White and Zubimendi are unavailable, we could see Thomas Partey slotting back into midfield alongside Declan Rice, with Jurrien Timber filling in at right-back.

Further up the pitch, Emile Smith Rowe might be handed another opportunity, while Gabriel Martinelli is expected to retain his place on the left flank. The attacking trident could feature Bukayo Saka — still managing a delicate workload — with Viktor Gyokeres spearheading the frontline once again.

Arteta’s selection headaches underscore the importance of squad depth, something Arsenal have invested heavily in over the past two transfer windows. Yet, as this season has shown, depth doesn’t always equate to availability. Injuries have forced the manager to shuffle his deck more frequently than planned.

Learning from Last Season’s Pain

Arsenal’s 2024–25 campaign was defined by both brilliance and heartbreak. They finished runners-up for the third consecutive year, losing vital ground in the final weeks of the title race. Fatigue, coupled with key injuries to players like Saka and Odegaard, proved decisive.

Arteta has often referenced those lessons when speaking about the current campaign. “We can’t control everything,” he said recently. “But we can control how we prepare, how we recover, and how we react.”

That mantra has guided Arsenal’s approach this season — focusing on rotation, better load management, and ensuring that players return only when fully fit. Havertz’s measured rehabilitation fits neatly within that philosophy.

The Bigger Picture: Title Race and Fixture Pile-Up

As of mid-October, Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table, just one point behind league leaders Manchester City. The Gunners have been consistent but not flawless; they’ve ground out results despite lacking their usual attacking fluency.

The next month could prove decisive. Fixtures against Fulham, Brighton, and Tottenham will test their resolve, while Champions League commitments will stretch their resources further. Arteta’s men will need every available player firing on all cylinders to maintain their push across multiple fronts.

The potential return of Havertz — combined with Hincapie’s reintegration — could provide the energy and tactical variety Arsenal desperately need. With Odegaard still recovering and Zubimendi’s status uncertain, Havertz’s creativity and goal threat from midfield could be a timely blessing.

A Season of Thin Margins

Football today demands resilience as much as brilliance. Arsenal’s ability to balance their growing injury concerns while sustaining momentum will define their season. The Premier League table remains tight, and every point counts.

While Arteta may not have the luxury of a fully fit squad, his adaptability and tactical innovation continue to give Arsenal a fighting edge. The imminent return of Kai Havertz, coupled with the leadership of veterans like Rice, Jesus, and Saka, could be the spark that reignites their title ambitions.

And if there’s one thing this Arsenal squad has proven — through adversity, near misses, and mounting pressure — it’s that they refuse to back down.