Arsenal have confirmed that Kai Havertz has undergone an operation on a knee injury, but there is a silver lining for the German and the Gunners.
Havertz was reported to have sustained a new knee problem last week after he was notably absent from the club's opening training session at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Chelsea attacker had recovered from a serious hamstring injury towards the end of last term to play a prominent role in pre-season, scoring the Gunners' third goal in their 3-0 Emirates Cup victory over Athletic Bilbao, and he came off the bench against Manchester United two weekends ago.
However, it was in that 1-0 triumph at Old Traffordwhere the 26-year-old sustained his problem, and he watched on from behind the bench as Arsenal slaughtered Leeds United 5-0 at the weekend.
The severity of Havertz's issue has never been disclosed by Mikel Arteta or the club, but it was claimed earlier on Thursday that the versatile attacker would be going under the knife to remedy the problem.
Arsenal injury news: 'Minor' knee operation confirmed for Havertz
Arsenal's Kai Havertz pictured on August 9, 2025
Now, the three-time Premier League champions have confirmed that Havertz has been operated on, although the procedure has been described as 'minor', offering hope that he will only be sidelined for weeks rather than months.
A statement released by the Gunners on Thursday evening read: "Further to sustaining a knee injury after our recent game against Manchester United on 17 August, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews with Kai confirmed that surgery would be required.
"Today, Kai underwent a successful minor surgical procedure. He will shortly begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
Havertz will certainly miss Sunday's blockbuster Premier League battle with Liverpool as he begins his recovery, and most likely crunch clashes with Manchester City and Newcastle United in September following the international break.
The 26-year-old has cemented himself as a favourite of Arteta's since his heavily scrutinised arrival from Chelsea in 2023, registering 29 goals and 13 assists from 88 appearances across all competitions in red and white.
Assessing Arsenal's attacking options amid Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard injuries
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka pictured on August 9, 2025
Havertz is now one of three Arsenal attackers guaranteed to miss the trip to Liverpool this weekend, as Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a hamstring strain, while Gabriel Jesus is continuing his recovery from an ACL tear.
Furthermore, Martin Odegaard's availability remains clouded in uncertainty due to the shoulder problem he picked up against Leeds, but unlike last season, Arsenal now have the depth to better cope with the absences of critical players.
Any of Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman, Mikel Merino or Ethan Nwaneri could play the Odegaard role, while new signing Noni Madueke is expected to line up on the right in Saka's absence at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres boasts a near impeccable fitness record - missing just five games in his entire career - but even if something were to happen to him, either Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli or Merino could fill in as a makeshift number nine.
While the losses of Saka, Odegaard and Havertz undoubtedly weaken Arsenal, Arteta is no longer bereft of attacking options, and a permeable Liverpool backline could be there for the taking for the Spaniard's fit contingent.
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