Kai Havertz
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Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback with forward Kai Havertz sustaining a knee injury, casting doubt over his immediate availability as the new Premier League season gathers pace.
The news broke via a tweet from renowned journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, who reported: “Arsenal forward Kai Havertz set for spell out with knee injury. Assessments on 26yo Germany int’l at early stage so prognosis + duration unclear but #AFC actively exploring transfer market for signing to strengthen attack & provide cover.”
This development comes just days after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in their opening fixture, where Havertz came on as a substitute for new signing Viktor Gyokeres in the 60th minute.
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Havertz, 26, was notably absent from Arsenal’s open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning, fueling immediate speculation among fans and pundits.
Initial assessments are underway, but the prognosis remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for his return. This marks the German international’s second injury setback in 2025, following a hamstring tear suffered during a training camp in Dubai back in February.
That issue sidelined him for 18 matches across the Premier League and Champions League, forcing manager Mikel Arteta to improvise with midfielder Mikel Merino stepping in as a makeshift No. 9.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Arsenal, who are already navigating a thin attacking line. Gyokeres, the club’s marquee summer addition, is now the only fully fit recognised striker available.
Leandro Trossard, who recently penned a new contract, has experience in the central role, while Gabriel Jesus continues his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in January.
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Arteta’s squad depth will be tested early, especially with Bukayo Saka and others having faced fitness concerns in recent months.
In response to Havertz’s absence, Arsenal are proactively scouting the transfer market for potential reinforcements to bolster their forward options and provide adequate cover.
This move underscores the club’s determination to maintain their title challenge, having finished runners-up in the last two seasons. Havertz, who joined from Chelsea in 2023 for £65 million, has been a key figure, amassing 29 goals in 88 appearances and offering versatility across the front line.
Fan reactions on social media have been swift and concerned, with many expressing frustration over recurring injuries.
One supporter tweeted, “Kai Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury,” echoing Ornstein’s update, while another lamented, “Tough blow for Arsenal losing Havertz to injury right when the season is heating up.”
Speculation is rife about potential targets, with names like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak being floated in fan discussions.
Arsenal return to action this Saturday, hosting Leeds United at the Emirates in what could be a tricky encounter without Havertz’s presence. Arteta will hope for positive updates on the injury front, but for now, the focus shifts to adapting and possibly dipping into the market to keep their ambitions alive.
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