Arsenal plan careful Kai Havertz return after “long period of suffering”

Arsenal have put a carefully managed plan in place to ease Kai Havertz back into action, as they look to bring an end to what has been described as a “long period of suffering” for the Germany international.

According to SportBILD, Arsenal are determined not to rush Havertz back, despite the forward’s eagerness to return and play a role in the title run-in under Mikel Arteta.

The German newspaper paints a bleak picture of Havertz’s 2025, describing it as a year “plagued by injuries, pain and suffering” — and comfortably the most disappointing of his career. The 26-year-old managed just seven Premier League appearances across the calendar year, with recurring physical issues repeatedly halting his momentum.

Now, Havertz is viewing 2026 as a clean slate. A World Cup year adds extra motivation, with the forward determined to force his way back into the plans of Germany ahead of the tournament this summer.

SportBILD report that Arsenal have agreed on a clear, step-by-step strategy to reintroduce Havertz. After Christmas, he returned on a “measured” individual training programme, designed to rebuild confidence in his body as much as fitness.

His workload is expected to increase gradually through January, but the key principle is caution. Even though Havertz is keen to accelerate his comeback, Arsenal have no intention of taking risks — particularly after such a prolonged spell of frustration.

Arteta’s recent guarded comments on Havertz’s fitness are understood to be deliberate. Internally, there is a strong consensus that avoiding setbacks is more important than short-term availability.

Havertz’s road back has already been more complicated than planned. He was initially expected to return from a knee injury at the end of November, only for that timeline to slip into early December. Persistent pain meant he remained sidelined, reinforcing Arsenal’s belief that patience was essential.

Now, Arteta is said to be firm that Havertz will only be reintroduced once there is no meaningful risk of recurrence — even if that means delaying his return further.

The challenge of getting Havertz back to his best is described as a “daunting task”, but SportBILD stress that Arsenal are fully aligned on how to approach it. Medical staff, coaching staff and the player himself are all said to be on the same page.

From Arsenal’s perspective, the priority is clear: ensure Havertz is physically and mentally ready to contribute consistently, rather than rushing him back into the spotlight and risking another stop-start year.

January will be a crucial month in Havertz’s recovery, with his training load gradually increasing as Arsenal monitor his response. Matchday involvement could follow if — and only if — those steps are completed without issue. Much will depend on how his knee responds to sustained intensity.

Should Arsenal stick rigidly to their cautious plan with Havertz, even if the title race tightens further?