Kai Havertz has been forced off with an injury during Arsenal's pivotal Premier League clash against Newcastle United. The German has been a pivotal player for the north Londoners in recent weeks.
He was deployed upfront ahead of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, such is Havertz's importance to Mikel Arteta. However, Arteta had to haul him off in the first half after he went down with an apparent groin injury.
There was a look of pain and resignation of the ex-Chelsea forward's face as he received treatment from a member of Arsenal's medical staff. In the end, he had to make way for Gyokeres after only 35 minutes.
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Havertz has been hampered by injuries this season. They have limited him to just one goal and one assist in eight Premier League appearances.
He played 30 minutes in the season opener away to Manchester United, but did not feature in the Premier League again for the Gunners until the 4-0 away victory against Leeds United at the end of January.
Havertz scored his first league goal of the season last weekend, when he got his foot in the way of a clearance from Gianluigi Donnarumma and diverted the ball into the net, during the 2-1 away loss to Manchester City. It looked set to be a huge goal for Arteta's side, until Erling Haaland scored a second half winner.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal leaves the field injured during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, United Kingdom
Havertz looked devastated as he left the pitch (Image: 2026 Izzy Poles - AMA)
After Havertz went off injured against the Magpies, Neville admitted his absence looked like it was felt within the Arsenal players. The Manchester United legend, who was also commenting on Arsenal's display after Eberechi Eze gave them the lead in the ninth minute, also added: "That tells you the way it's going.
"One shot since they've scored, Newcastle have had eight. I would see that as a worry. I'm not sure Arsenal out there at the moment are displaying that they see it as a concern.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, points on the sidelines during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England
Arteta would have been disappointed with Havertz's injury (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
"You can always score a second and seem in control, momentum can shift in games like this, just walking on the ball, that's the bit I don't get. They've got to shift it quicker."
Arsenal need a victory to ensure they put maximum pressure on City, who leapt ahead of the Gunners on goals scored. A point would see the north Londoners move back to the top of the table, but City would have a game in hand and only one point to recoup.
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