26-year-old Kai Havertz, Arsenal forward, is likely to be sidelined for a spell after suffering a knee injury.
It has raised concerns for Mikel Arteta’s side early in the season.
The young German skipped the training session at the Emirates Stadium. The accurate severity of the issue is yet to be confirmed, the club is monitoring the situation closely. Further information is awaited.
Sources have hinted that Arsenal are waiting for the Knee injury to settle before conducting further tests, which will determine the full extent of the damage.
Any prolonged absence would be a significant setback for Arsenal, who are already coping without Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker underwent knee surgery in January and is still recovering, leaving the Gunners short of attacking options at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Havertz’s absence would push €63 million summer signing Viktor Gyökeres into the spotlight as the only recognised centre-forward currently available to Arteta. While Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have occasionally filled in at the position, neither is a natural replacement in the long term. This situation may force Arsenal to reassess their options in the transfer market.
The club has been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, though Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be leading the race for his signature. Arsenal were also admirers of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak before committing to the big-money signing of Gyökeres. However, Isak is now strongly linked with a move to Liverpool. With over £200 million already spent on new signings this summer, the Gunners must also consider balancing the squad through potential departures before making another move.
Havertz’s latest setback comes just months after he endured a serious hamstring injury during the club’s mid-season warm-weather training camp in Dubai. The forward recovered successfully from that blow, undergoing an intense rehabilitation programme that saw him add noticeable muscle to his physique. His return provided a timely boost, and he featured as a substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, playing the final 30 minutes.
Despite the optimism surrounding his return, the knee issue now threatens to stall his momentum once again. For Arsenal, the timing could hardly be worse. With domestic and European fixtures piling up, Arteta will be concerned about depth in attack as his side seeks to compete on multiple fronts.
The Gunners’ reliance on Havertz and Gyökeres highlights the thin margin for error in their forward line. While Trossard and Martinelli have shown versatility, their best performances typically come from wider roles, leaving Arsenal potentially vulnerable through the middle if Havertz faces an extended period on the sidelines.
As supporters await clarity on the results of Havertz’s scans, the club faces important decisions in the coming weeks. Whether Arsenal push ahead in the market or place faith in their current squad, the outcome could have major implications for their campaign.
For now, Arsenal can only hope the knee injury proves minor, allowing Havertz to return quickly and provide the firepower needed to maintain their competitive edge.
Pic Credit (Screen grab: YouTube THE ARSENAL CODEX)
