Arteta optimistic about Havertz and Jorginho making a comeback for Arsenal before the season concludes

Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, shared some encouraging news regarding injuries ahead of the Champions League semi-finals, revealing that both Kai Havertz and Jorginho may return before the season wraps up.

Speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth, Arteta expressed his belief that French centre-back William Saliba would remain at the club, despite interest from Real Madrid.

Havertz, who underwent hamstring surgery in early February, was initially thought to be sidelined for the rest of the season, while Jorginho picked up a rib injury in April.

“If everything progresses as planned, I believe he has a chance to feature in a few games before the season ends,” Arteta remarked about Havertz.

“Jorginho is still unavailable, and his situation has turned out to be more complicated than we had hoped. Thankfully, he is feeling well and making good progress in his recovery.

“If all goes according to plan over the next week or so, we expect him to gradually reintegrate with the team.”

Regarding Saliba, Arteta mentioned that recent talks with the player suggested he is keen to stay at Arsenal.

“I’m quite confident that William is really happy here and wants to remain,” he stated.

As Arsenal aims for a spot in the Champions League final, they face a 1-0 deficit from the home semi-final against Paris St Germain. In the Premier League, they currently sit second, while Liverpool has already secured the title, leaving Arsenal with four matches left to play.

A victory over Bournemouth, managed by Arteta’s former colleague Andoni Iraola, could seal Arsenal’s place in next season’s Champions League.

Arteta extended his congratulations to Liverpool for their well-deserved title but admitted that it stings to miss out again.

“Absolutely,” he acknowledged. “I recognise that Liverpool is a consistently strong team with all the qualities needed to succeed, but it’s certainly painful.

“We have so much left to contest this season in both the Premier League and the Champions League,” he added. “Our focus remains locked in.”