‘He’s destroyed every metric’ – Arteta on Havertz’s ‘body transformation’ while recovering from hamstring injury | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz has used his spell out with injury to “transform” his body ahead of his return to action.

Havertz has not played for the Gunners since February because of a hamstring injury but has returned to training lately and could feature when his side take on Newcastle on Sunday.

And Arteta explained how the Germany international has used his unexpected break to work on his body.

“There’s been a transformation in his body,” the Arsenal boss said.

“He’s been so condensed, the last two or three years in his career. He hasn’t had time to do that. He had a window and he’s used it.

“The staff have explained the opportunity to him with his physique especially, that he can go to a different level, the things that he can improve that will be instrumental for him to be even more effective as a player.

“He got on board with that. He started to work. He feels better.

“I think he destroyed every metric they had for the last ten years so that’s good.

“All of them. Power, acceleration, muscle mass, the way he has increased certain capacities in his agility. It’s been incredible.

“For someone not in the team to have that mindset, he’s raised the standards in the building because the other ones who were injured were looking at him and saying ‘I’m going to look bad if I don’t do the same’.

“That’s part of the culture. I’m very grateful because when the players that are not playing are doing that, it’s just raising the bar for the next one to come.”

Speaking on Friday ahead of the game on Sunday, Arteta said he had not yet decided whether Havertz would feature in the squad: “We’re going to decide that tomorrow,” Arteta said.

“He’s done certain parts of the sessions in the last two days, he looks in great shape, but it’s more a shout of the medical staff, the doctors giving the clearance and how Kai actually feels to contribute if required.”

Havertz’s injury came as a critical blow to Arsenal at a pivotal point in the season, having scored 15 goals in 34 games in all competitions this season playing mostly as a striker.

Arsenal will likely add to their forward line this summer through the transfer window, however, but Arteta says Havertz’s versatility will mean he continues to have a big role in his side.

“One of the biggest qualities is his versatility but he’s a goal threat wherever he plays,” he said.

“He’s so intelligent. He’ll play as a nine, as an attacking midfielder. He’s going to be super important for us as a team.”