Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for a medical assessment following an injury he suffered while representing Germany in the Nations League match against the Netherlands. The German side played out a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam on Thursday, and Havertz was forced off the pitch in the first half after a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber. He was replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib as the game continued.
Initial reports suggest that the problem is a relatively minor muscle strain, but the forward has left the German camp to receive treatment under the care of Arsenal's medical team. This decision means he will miss the remainder of the international window, including Germany's upcoming fixtures.
Germany manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that both Havertz and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, who also suffered a suspected thigh issue, are undergoing MRI scans. Klopp said, "I hope we get the diagnosis Thursday evening. It’s not ideal, and I hope it isn’t serious. The lads are probably out for us, but I’m optimistic they’ll be back relatively quickly." Havertz has been an important part of Arsenal’s attacking line‑up this season, starting six of the club’s eight matches across all competitions and contributing three goals.
Although the current injury does not appear to be severe, it adds to a growing list of setbacks that have hampered his progress. Last season, the 27‑year‑old was limited to just seven Premier League starts because of recurring knee and muscle problems. More recently, he missed the final three months of the 2024/25 campaign after tearing a hamstring, a lay‑off that kept him out for an extended period. Arsenal will now have to cope without Havertz while they prepare for their next Premier League fixture at home against Leeds United on Saturday, 10 October.
In his absence, the Gunners have been relying on Viktor Gyökeres as their primary striker, although midfielder Mikel Merino has also been deployed in a more advanced role. Gyökeres, who enjoyed a prolific season last year by scoring 21 goals in all competitions, has struggled to find his rhythm this term, featuring only 29 minutes in the league and managing a single shot across two starts against Napoli and Ipswich.
The timing of Havertz’s injury is particularly awkward for Arsenal, coming after a summer in which the club attempted to bolster its attacking options without success. The forward’s injury history, highlighted by the lengthy hamstring lay‑off in 2025, raises further concerns for manager Mikel Arteta, who is still searching for a reliable goal‑scoring outlet. On the international stage, Germany have already named replacements for Havertz and Musiala.
Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt will step into the squad for the next game, providing Klopp with alternative attacking choices. Analysts from Sky Sports offered their perspectives on the situation.
Nick Wright noted that Arsenal are hopeful Havertz has avoided a serious setback and are somewhat reassured that the injury occurred early in the international window, leaving more than two weeks for recovery before the Leeds match. However, Wright cautioned that the injury’s timing is uncomfortable given Arsenal’s recent failure to secure a new forward in the transfer market.
He also highlighted Gyökeres’s difficult start to the season, suggesting that the Swedish striker must seize any opportunity to prove his worth to Arteta. Former player and pundit Jay Bothroyd provided a tactical comparison between Gyökeres and Havertz.
Bothroyd explained that Gyökeres prefers to make runs behind the defense, operate on the shoulder of the back line, and exploit the channels between centre‑backs and full‑backs. In contrast, Havertz functions more as a link‑up player, capable of holding up the ball and facilitating interplay among the front three.
Bothroyd argued that while Gyökeres brings speed and physical strength, he needs to improve his ball‑retention skills to match the platform Havertz offers. He also suggested that Arteta might look to Mikel Merino as an alternative, given Merino’s technical proficiency, vision, and passing ability, which mirror many of Havertz’s strengths. In summary, Havertz’s return to Arsenal for medical evaluation marks a short‑term challenge for the club’s attacking plans. The forward’s injury, though described as a minor strain, adds to a pattern of fitness issues that have limited his impact in recent seasons.
Arsenal now face a crucial period where they must adapt tactically, potentially relying on Gyökeres, Merino, or other squad members to fill the void until Havertz is cleared to play. The upcoming fixtures, particularly the home game against Leeds, will test the Gunners’ depth and flexibility as they navigate this setback while hoping for a swift and full recovery for their German international.