Champions League boost for Arsenal! Mikel Arteta reveals Kai Havertz could return before end of season as Gunners boss gives encouraging update on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka fitness

Arsenal are in the hunt for their first-ever European title as they have gotten one leg into the Champions League semi-final after a 3-0 first-leg win over Real Madrid in the quarter-final. Arteta is hoping that he can lead his side to the illustrious trophy and hopes that he can have a full squad for the ride. As such, he has revealed that Havertz, who has been out injured since February, could return before the end of the season.

Speaking to the media, Arteta said, “Hopefully, we can have him back before the end of the season.

“Let’s see. Every injury isn’t the same. Great work ethic, desperate to get back playing as quick as possible – and a great medical staff as well to look after them.

“Once you get to the last stage of that rehab, you can understand better how close or far you are to making that next step.”

It was revealed on Thursday that Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka had picked up niggles after the match. However, Arteta also provided a positive update on the two stars who played a pivotal role in the win against Real Madrid. He said: “With Dec [Rice] and Bukayo, they're both fit. So it was just a matter of two kicks, and they recovered well, so they are available for tomorrow.”

The Gunners are set to be in action again when they face off against Brentford on Saturday, and they will then travel to Madrid to take on Los Blancos in the second leg of the quarter-final at Santiago Bernabeu.