Kai Havertz Injury: Close to returning

Havertz (knee) won't be an option for Sunday's game against Manchester United, manager Mikel Arteta told media during Friday's press conference. "Well, he is very close. Obviously he has been out for a long time, almost a year for different reasons and now we have to be very smart in the manner that we manage that load, the minutes. I am sure in the next few weeks he is going to play in minutes."

Havertz seems to be on the verge of returning to action, but the Manchester United matchup will come too soon for the German forward. Not having him hurts the team's depth, but he wouldn't be a starter if fit, as he'd compete with Gabriel Jesus for the backup role behind Viktor Gyokeres. Havertz's next chance to play will come against Kairat on Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the UEFA Champions League.