Arsenal fans were delighted to see Kai Havertz back in full training during Wednesday’s open session at the Emirates Stadium. The German international, who has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in early February while at the club’s training camp in Dubai, made a notable return to the pitch. His teammates welcomed him back with a playful ‘guard of honour,’ celebrating his reintegration into the squad.
Havertz was not alone, as he was joined by Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, both of whom have faced their own injury struggles recently. Jorginho also participated after recovering from a rib injury sustained earlier this month.
The open training session was attended by over 7,000 fans, who were able to watch the players perform various drills without any cost for attendance. The event was aimed at strengthening the bond between the team and its supporters, a concept that was initially proposed by former player Granit Xhaka, who advocated for more open training opportunities to give fans insight into the players’ hard work.
During the session, Arsenal’s goalkeepers, David Raya, Neto, and Tommy Setford, began with warming-up drills set to music, a practice favored by manager Mikel Arteta, who believes it fuels energy and engagement. As outfield players took the field, including Havertz, they began with activation exercises and progressed to technical drills. The training was simultaneously competitive and informative, culminating in a three-team tournament that highlighted individual talents and emphasized the importance of competitiveness in training.
The day ended on a festive note with the team posing for a photo in front of the fans, exemplifying the positive atmosphere that such open engagements can create. This event not only showcased Havertz’s speedy recovery but also highlighted Arsenal’s commitment to their community and supporter engagement through football.
Overall, the session served as a reminder of the team’s camaraderie and the shared journey they undertake with their fans, providing a hopeful glimpse into a promising season ahead as they navigate challenges together.