Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal have picked up 56 points from 25 matches. The Gunners look incredibly consistent this season. Their recent 3-0 win over Sunderland showed exactly how clinical they can be. They have a solid lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa. But in a race like this, there is still no room for error.
Arsenal’s Premier League Dominance Faces Fresh Test
Arsenal’s attack is firing on all cylinders. They have bagged 49 goals and let in only 17. That gives them the best goal difference in the league. With a defence this tight and plenty of flair up front, they look ready to finally take the title. Still, the busy schedule means they have to rotate the squad. Keeping this run going will depend on keeping everyone fit.
Kai Havertz Hits Another Roadblock
News from the training ground on Wednesday, February 11, confirmed a fresh blow. Kai Havertz has picked up a muscle injury, which keeps him out of action for now. The 26-year-old German will miss Thursday’s game against Brentford. He will likely sit out the FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic, too.
𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐊𝐀𝐈!? 😭 pic.twitter.com/Umb8OGSRPW
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) February 11, 2026
Fans will be even more concerned, as he might miss the North London Derby on February 22. The medical team thinks it is just a minor strain. They don’t believe his old knee trouble is back. Even so, the timing is brutal. He only just got back on the pitch in January. He was already chipping in with goals and assists before this latest injury set him back.
What does this mean for Arsenal and Germany?
This latest stint on the sidelines adds to a tough 2025/26 season for the former Chelsea man. Kai Havertz missed a huge chunk of the year between August 2025 and January 2026 with a bad knee injury. He then struggled with his hamstring in late 2025. Because he hasn’t played much, he hasn’t been able to find his rhythm.
Arteta has to rethink his lineup again. He’ll probably turn to Gabriel Jesus or move Leandro Trossard into the middle to cover. The boss really values what Kai Havertz brings to the team: his height, touch, and ability to arrive in the box. Arsenal are going to miss those qualities against physical sides like Brentford and Wolves.
The German national team will also be watching him closely with the 2026 World Cup around the corner. Word is his spot in the squad is still safe. But if he can’t stay fit, he might not be sharp enough for the summer. Kai Havertz is a massive player for his country. They need him at his best to have a real chance on the world stage.
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For Arsenal, the focus is on the here and now. They need to keep winning without their big forward. The hope is that this strain clears up in two or three weeks. The doctors won’t take any risks with him. If they rush him back, he could end up with a tear that ends his season. So, the Gunners head into a massive part of the title race with a star player stuck in the stands. He’ll be hoping his teammates can hold onto that lead at the top.