Mikel Arteta praises Kai Havertz as ‘an amazing role model’ and provides a fitness update on Martin Ødegaard

Kai Havertz also withdrew from international duty with Germany, but Arteta confirmed that “he has had a few issues that we have been dealing with” before continuing to add that “if he trains well today he’s got a good chance to be fit and available.”

What did Mikel Arteta say?

Conflicting reports have surrounded Martin Ødegaard’s fitness as he continues his injury rehabilitation in North London. Providing an update on the Gunners’ skipper, Arteta confirmed “he’s not going to be fit for this game.”

Providing an update on the progress that Ødegaard is making in his return to full-fitness, Arteta commented: “Next week will be a different story, but again, in that later stage of rehab where he is at the moment, he needs to clear some markers, he needs to clear certain things, he needs to be comfortable doing things especially with the ball. I think next week will be crucial to understand how close he is.”

Elsewhere, Kai Havertz has reached new heights since joining Arsenal in the summer of 2023. The turning point, according to Havertz, came when Martin Ødegaard handed him the ball during an away match against Bournemouth, allowing him to slot home his first goal in red and white from the penalty spot.

Reflecting on the development of Havertz since that moment, Arteta shared: “I think that was a turning point, for sure. The players took ownership, which is the best thing. They decided to do something for the player.”

“That straight away made him feel special, it made him feel respected and admired. Everybody was willing and wishing the best for him and he delivered. That day, the connection towards the supporters went to a different level as well and everything started to click. Since then, the story is unbelievable. His involvement in every match, what he produces to help us win matches is incredible and very positive obviously.”

Arteta then packed on the praise for Havertz, reflecting on how the forward embodies the core values of Arsenal – Always Forward. He said, “I think he’s an amazing role model, the way he behaves every day, the way he is as a person, the way he lives his life. How much he loves to play football to compete. Again, part of that at this level is to handle and manage difficult situations. I think he’s an amazing example of that.”

Arsenal will travel to Vitality Stadium this Saturday to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Proceedings will head underway at 19:30 BST and can be streamed live within the UK on Sky Sports.