Havertz racing against time for Champions League final

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz could return before the end of the season, with the German midfielder's recovery from a hamstring injury progressing ahead of schedule.

Havertz was initially expected to miss the rest of the campaign after undergoing surgery on an injury picked up during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai in february.

Despite losing both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, overcoming Real Madrid with an emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory.

Arteta has downplayed the chances of Havertz featuring in the semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but suggested he could be fit in time for the final in Munich on 31 may — if Arsenal make it that far.

"For the semi-finals? I think that is too close," Arteta admitted. "But if I have to bet on him being available earlier than expected, I would say: yes.

"The way he works — every day in the gym, pushing everybody — I don't think you can hold him back any longer."

While their European form has been a highlight, Arsenal's Premier League title hopes have faded. The Gunners are set for a third consecutive second-place finish, currently trailing leaders Liverpool by 13 points with just six matches remaining.

Liverpool could clinch the title as early as sunday if they beat Leicester and Arsenal slip up against relegation-threatened Ipswich.

Arteta is determined to prevent that scenario and insisted his side cannot afford to ease up, with their Champions League qualification for next season still to be secured.

"We'll make sure that we win the game and that doesn't happen," said the Spaniard when asked about Liverpool potentially sealing the title on sunday. "We need to step up and start to win the games."