Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says the entire squad will rally around Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu after the pair underwent surgery on their respective injuries.
The Gunners were dealt a major blow on their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, with Havertz picking up a hamstring injury which will keep him out for the remainder of the campaign. It was yet another hurdle placed in front of Mikel Arteta and his group in the Premier League title race; with Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all out injured, too.
Arteta’s squad are short of options in the final third, but will be pleased to hear that Havertz’s surgery went well, along with Tomiyasu, as Odegaard gave an insight into the Gunners’ training ground in his pre-match programme notes this week.
Speaking to Arsenal’s in-house media, Odegaard said: “We spent a few days in Dubai, which we used as a good balance between hard work and rest. There we had the bad news with Kai’s injury.
“He’s been back at the training ground lately, so we’ve been able to speak to him. His surgery went well, but he can’t do too much at the moment – and he’s staying positive.
“It’s always hard when you have an injury like that – and he’s not been injured a lot before – which makes it tough for him. We are all here to support him, I’ve spoken with him and he’s determined to use this time really positively so he can come back stronger.
“This was a big blow for him, and for the team. The hardest part is the mental element, because suddenly your life becomes very different. You can’t train, you can’t be with your teammates, you are more isolated. It’s up to us as a group – players, staff, supporters – to lift the injured players and help however we can.
“We will also be supporting Tomi, who had his operation last week. It’s been such a difficult time for Tomi as well, because he’s been more in and out with it. It’s hard when you can’t find the answers you are looking for, it can be so frustrating, so hopefully this surgery can help him come back and help us on the pitch again soon.”
Havertz broke his silence following his operation earlier this week. “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally,” he said. “But yesterday was a good day.
“A successful operation and a win [for Arsenal]. Thanks for all the messages of support over these last few days, as it’s really helped.
“I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”
His fellow absentee Tomiyasu also shared an update on his injury. “I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” the defender said on Instagram, sharing a photo of him on crutches with a brace around his bandaged right knee.
“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”
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