Arsenal forward Kai Havertz shared an update from hospital after undergoing a “successful” operation on his hamstring injury.
The German is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering the injury during Arsenal’s mid-season training camp in Dubai.
The 25-year-old said he is now recovering after a “tough few days” physically and mentally, with Havertz unable to help the Gunners in their title bid.
He was able to celebrate, though, as his replacement in the forward line, Mikel Merino, came off the bench to score two goals in Saturday’s win over Leicester.
“The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally but yesterday was a good day,” Havertz posted. “A successful op and a win.
“Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, 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.”
Merino’s role as a makeshift striker only came as Havertz joined Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli on the sidelines, but the Spaniard stepped up.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Raheem Sterling with Merino in the 69th minute paid off as Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool with a vital win at the King Power.
“It was crazy for me to come on the pitch in that position,” Merino said. “It was a really, really difficult game against a good side and the pressure was on us.
“But this game is about small details sometimes, about who’s more precise in the last metres.
“We were clinical in those last 20 minutes with me trying to make an impact in the box and with my team-mates just putting in some amazing balls.
“We won the game and I’m really, really, really happy.”
