Arsenal confirmed that Kai Havertz needed a minor surgery following an injury to his knee in their PL fixture against Man United. The striker is set to miss the upcoming international break with Germany due to the injury.
Kai Havertz underwent successful surgery
Arsenal got the injury reviewed by specialists following the game against United. Subsequently, the assessments confirmed that a surgery would be required for the striker’s proper recovery.
The Gunners later released an official communication confirming that the German underwent a “minor surgical procedure”. They mentioned that Havertz will soon begin a rehabilitation program. They ensured that everyone at the club is focusing on supporting Havertz and bringing him back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
Recovery period shortens
Following the injury, it was reported that the 26-year-old will be out of action for a long time. However, following his decision to undergo surgery, the actual recovery time will reportedly be shorter than previously expected.
A report by David Ornstein confirms that Havertz is set to miss only a single-digit number of weeks during recovery. A maximum of 9 weeks out of action means the striker will return sometime around the beginning of November. This comes as a major boost for Arsenal, as the striker will be available for selection right when the season intensifies, ahead of the most crucial months.
Kai Havertz fitness record
Kai Havertz had a solid fitness record until last season. Before joining Arsenal, the German had been out of action for just 121 days since his senior debut. He missed a total of ten games for Germany and Leverkusen from the 17/18 season to the 19/20 season.
In November 2020, he missed six games for Chelsea and Germany after catching the Coronavirus. Since then, He missed just twelve games for Chelsea and Germany over a period of three years, before joining the Gunners.
During the 23/24 season, Havertz did not suffer a single injury. However, his 24/25 season was injury-ridden. The striker missed two games due to injury in January 2025.
He suffered his worst injury so far in February 2025. The striker injured his hamstring, keeping him out until May. This injury made him miss a total of 18 games.
Arsenal without Havertz
Arsenal will miss Havertz until he returns. However, they were quick to react to his injury. The Gunners signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, immediately after learning about the German’s injury.
The signing of Viktor Gyokeres, the player with the most goals in Europe last season, will help with the goals. Arsenal may not miss Havertz much in the Swede’s presence. In fact, Gyokeres already opened his account with the Gunners after a brace against Leeds United.
Intriguingly, Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is another option to cover for Havertz. When Havertz was out due to his hamstring injury, Mikel Arteta played Merino as his striker. The manager’s bold decision paid off as Merino was successful as a striker. The Spaniard scored 9 goals that season, with an impressive performance in the UCL Quarter-final against Real Madrid. He scored 1 goal and assisted 2 more against the reigning champions over both legs.