Kai Havertz
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have received cautiously optimistic news on forward Kai Havertz, who sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United.
Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, came off the bench in the 60th minute to replace new signing Viktor Gyokeres during the match at Old Trafford.
The German international, who has scored 29 goals in 88 appearances for the Gunners, was absent from an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, prompting concern among fans and the club alike.
According to reliable reports from @Teamnewsandtix, the early prognosis indicates that Havertz has not sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, alleviating initial fears within the club. However, Arsenal is still assessing the extent of the injury to determine the 26-year-old’s recovery timeline.
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While the club awaits further analysis to confirm the full prognosis, the news that Havertz’s injury is not an ACL tear has provided some relief. An ACL injury would likely have sidelined the versatile forward for an extended period, potentially requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation. The club’s medical team is taking a cautious approach, waiting for the injury to settle before conducting additional assessments.
🚨BREAKING: Although the club are still assessing, the early prognosis is that Kai Havertz has not suffered an ACL injury.
[@Teamnewsandtix] pic.twitter.com/YqKVPGtPYF
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 20, 2025
This injury marks Havertz’s second setback of 2025, following a hamstring tear sustained during a training camp in Dubai in February, which ruled him out for 18 matches across the Premier League and Champions League. Despite that absence, Havertz returned to make two substitute appearances in Arsenal’s final league games of the 2024-25 season.
His current injury comes at a challenging time for Arsenal, with fellow striker Gabriel Jesus still recovering from an ACL injury sustained in January, leaving Gyokeres as the only fully fit recognised striker in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
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Arsenal’s management is reportedly exploring the transfer market to bolster their attacking options, with the need for cover becoming more urgent in light of Havertz’s injury.
Leandro Trossard, who recently signed a new contract, and midfielder Mikel Merino, who filled in as an emergency No. 9 last season, could provide temporary solutions. However, manager Mikel Arteta may push for a new signing before the transfer window closes to ensure depth in the forward line.
Arsenal are preparing for their upcoming Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday, followed by a high-stakes encounter with champions Liverpool, the club will be hoping for a swift recovery for Havertz.
The Gunners, who finished second in the league last season, are eager to maintain their strong start to the 2025-26 campaign, and Havertz’s availability will be crucial to their ambitions.
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