Arsenal forward Kai Havertz returned from injury last weekend after nearly three months on the sidelines.
Havertz had been sidelined since February after tearing his hamstring during the Gunners’ warm-weather training break in Dubai.
It was initially unclear whether Havertz would feature again this season, but the Arsenal attacker returned ahead of schedule against Newcastle United.
A report has now emerged which details what Arsenal’s medical staff told Havertz to do during his period of rehabilitation.
Arsenal medical staff told Kai Havertz to hit the gym and bulk up
A number of fans noticed how Kai Havertz looked more muscular when he came on in the 1-0 win over the Magpies.
Indeed, at the advice of Arsenal’s medical staff, Havertz has used his rehabilitation period as a chance to bulk up, according to the Evening Standard.
Arteta has noticed the difference and believes the Germany international has reached “a different level” with regards to his physicality.
“There’s been a transformation in his body,” Arteta told reporters last week.
“The last three years in his career have been so condensed that he hasn’t had time to do that and this has been a window and he really wanted to use it.
“He got on board with that, he worked hard, you can see his presence and I think he destroyed all the metrics that we had in the gym for the last 10 years.
“All of them – power, acceleration, muscle mass. The way that he has increased certain capacities in his body, his agility, he’s been incredible.”
Does Kai Havertz still have a future at Arsenal?
There’s no doubt that Arsenal need more firepower next season, and a host of strikers have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are reported to be leading the race for Viktor Gyokeres, while the likes of Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko have also been linked with the Gunners.
Havertz’s role in the team could be in doubt if Arsenal sign one or two new forwards, but Arteta has stressed that the German will still be a key player in his team.
“One of the biggest qualities with Kai is his versatility and his goal threat whenever he plays and he’s so intelligent,” Arteta told reporters.
“He will play as a No. 9, he will play as an attacking midfielder and he will be super important for us as a team.”
