Kai Havertz undergoes minor knee surgery. His recovery timeline as well as impact on Arsenal is concerning. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz had a successful minor surgery on his knee, the club said Thursday. He sustained the injury in Arsenal’s 1–0 victory over Manchester United on August 17. This incident ruled the German international out of their next match against Leeds United. Early assessments believed surgery would be needed following the players return to Germany to see specialists.
A Swift Recovery Expected
In an official statement, Arsenal emphasized the procedure was “minor” and that Havertz would soon begin his rehabilitation programme. The club stated for his return. They said everyone is “supporting Kai to be back to full fitness as quickly as possible.” Importantly, the injury is not expected to be long-term. His absence would be during weeks as opposed to months.
Sending love & strength to Kai Havertz who underwent a successful knee surgery today! 🙏🏾
Second setback, but we know the comeback will be even greater. Speedy recovery King Kai! 👊🏾 🇩🇪 🦒 pic.twitter.com/EpIaE0wmlR
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) August 28, 2025
A History of Recent Fitness Concerns
This setback is not Havertz’s first experience with significant injuries. Earlier in 2025, a hamstring tear suffered during a training camp in Dubai sidelined him for three months. It caused him to miss 18 matches across the Premier League and Champions League. The knee issue is just another injury circumstance for the 26-year-old. He has plenty of fitness issues to manage. He has started in all 88 matches since joining Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023, and scored in 29 of them.
Significant Impact on Arsenal’s Season Plans
The timing of Havertz’s injury presents problems for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Arsenal will face their most important games of the season in three weeks, with matches against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, and, starting the week after, the Champions League group stage with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid. Arsenal have been under scrutiny in terms of attacking depth going forward with Havertz’s absence increasing the need for new signing Viktor Gyökeres, the €73 million signing from Sporting Lisbon, who is now the only “real” striker available for selection.
🚨 Confirmed: Kai Havertz underwent a successful minor surgical procedure on a knee injury today & will shortly begin his recovery & rehabilitation programme to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible. ☑️
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Kai! 🙏❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/W562WYolBI
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2025
Arteta’s Response: Accelerating Transfer Plans
In response, Arsenal accelerated their move to secure Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze for an initial £60 million. Eze got his unveiling prior to the Leeds match, but he is ready to make his debut against Liverpool. Arsenal’s injury issues are not only concerning Havertz: Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Martin Ødegaard (ankle) are also missing and Gabriel Jesus remains a long-term knee injury absence.
Despite all the injury worries, the club and supporters hope for both a swift and satisfactory injury recovery for Havertz and we might see him soon to help Arsenal in their quest for domestic and European success.