Credit: Getty Images
Kai Havertz’s injury-ravaged season has forced Arsenal to pause contract extension talks, with the German forward restricted to just 20 appearances this campaign after a series of setbacks.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined for the majority of the season following a knee injury sustained on the opening day against Manchester United in August, which required surgery and kept him out for four months. His injury struggles began earlier when he picked up a hamstring problem during a Dubai training camp in February 2025 that also needed surgical intervention.
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Despite being described by Mikel Arteta as a “genetic powerhouse” and “robust” player who has “destroyed metrics in the gym,” Havertz has managed just six Premier League starts this term. His latest setback saw him withdrawn after only 34 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, ruling him out of the upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Missing piece in Arsenal’s attack
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The Gunners have faced criticism for their attacking play this season, with increased reliance on set-piece goals highlighting the absence of Havertz’s link-up abilities. When available, the German has delivered impressive returns – five goals and four assists in 20 appearances represents nearly one goal involvement every two games.
His importance was evident in April’s clash with Manchester City, where he started ahead of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres and scored the opener by pressing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The performance offered a glimpse of what Arteta’s preferred setup might have been for big matches had Havertz stayed fit.
“He has been a huge miss,” Arteta confirmed. “We are talking about one of the most important attacking players that we have. He has been out for seven or eight months.”
Contract uncertainty looms
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Havertz will enter the final two years of his contract this summer, with his deal running until 2028. [According to the BBC](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c70v4qq98d1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss), Arsenal had previously considered extending his deal but those discussions have been shelved due to his injury record and questions over Gyokeres’ suitability for elite opposition.
The uncertainty has coincided with transfer speculation linking Arsenal to Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, though Arteta remained tight-lipped when questioned about potential striker additions.
“Now the focus has to be on availability and performance,” the Arsenal manager stated when asked about Havertz’s contract situation. “There is not time to have those kind of discussions now.”
Arsenal will hope to have their versatile forward available for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League semi-final second leg at Emirates Stadium, as they look to overturn a 1-1 deficit against Atletico Madrid.