Arsenal - Ben White
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leeds United due to a knee injury.
The German international has been sidelined since last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, where he reported discomfort in his knee. Havertz was absent from Wednesday’s open training session at the Emirates Stadium, and subsequent assessments have revealed he is unfit to feature in Arsenal’s first home game of the season.
“Well, certainly not fit for this match,” Arteta toldreporters. “Unfortunately, he picked up an injury and we don’t really know yet the extent of it. I think we need a bit more time and some more tests, and after that we’ll have more clarity about the next steps.”
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta confirms new Arsenal injury ahead of Leeds United clash
Havertz’s setback comes as Arsenal move closer to completing a £68 million deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who could strengthen Arteta’s options in attack.
Kai Havertz injury
Kai Havertz (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta also confirmed that summer signing Christian Norgaard will be unavailable for the weekend, while defender Ben White remains a doubt after being forced off at Old Trafford and skipping midweek training.
“Christian won’t be in the squad,” Arteta said. “With Ben, let’s see still how he reacts and what we decide. But Christian will be out for another week or so.”
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Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber, who took part in light training on Wednesday but did not feature in the final practice match, is being carefully managed following ankle surgery earlier this summer.
“On Jurrien, we have to manage his load,” Arteta explained. “He’s been out for a long time, and he comes from a long-term injury. We had a long week, so we decided to take his training down a little, especially during the open session.”
The injury setbacks add to Arteta’s selection challenges as Arsenal prepare to welcome newly-promoted Leeds, who are chasing their first Premier League away win since March 2023.
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