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 were locked in a 1-1 stalemate in Amsterdam on Thursday when Havertz was forced off after a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber in the first half. He was replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib, but the incident raised concerns among both club and country staff.
According to reports, the problem appears to be a minor muscle strain, but the severity remains to be confirmed by imaging. Rather than staying within the German camp, the 27-year-old forward has been flown back to London so that Arsenal's medical team can conduct a thorough examination. 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.
"We expect to have a diagnosis by Thursday evening," Klopp said. "I hope it's nothing serious. It's not ideal for us, but I trust the lads will be back soon if the scans are clear." Havertz has been an important figure for Arsenal this season, starting six of the eight matches the club has played across all competitions and finding the net three times.
However, his fitness has been a recurring theme since his arrival. Last season he managed only seven Premier League starts because of recurring knee and muscle problems, and he missed the final three months of the 2024/25 campaign after a hamstring tear forced him onto the sidelines. Arsenal will now have to cope without their versatile attacker as they prepare for their next Premier League game at home against Leeds United on Saturday, October 10.
If Havertz's recovery takes longer than expected, the Gunners could be left with Viktor Gyökeres as their primary striking option, although midfielder Mikel Merino has also been deployed in advanced roles this term. Klopp has already named replacements for the injured duo in Germany's squad, with Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt stepping in for the upcoming match.
Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright offered a measured perspective on the situation. He noted that Arsenal are hopeful Havertz has avoided a serious setback and that the early timing of the injury could work in their favour, providing more than two weeks for recovery before the Leeds fixture. Nevertheless, Wright cautioned that the injury comes at an inconvenient moment, especially after Arsenal's attempts over the summer to secure an additional goal‑scoring outlet.
Havertz's injury history—including a lengthy lay‑off after a hamstring tear in 2025—adds a layer of unease for Arteta's staff. Gyökeres, who filled in for Havertz last season and tallied 21 goals across all competitions, has struggled to find his rhythm in the current campaign. He has logged just 29 Premier League minutes and recorded only a single shot in two starts against Napoli and Ipswich.
This peripheral role follows Arsenal's well‑documented pursuit of high‑profile forwards such as Julian Alvarez and Vinícius Júnior. Gyökeres will need to seize any opportunity to demonstrate his value to Mikel Arteta. Former professional Jay Bothroyd, speaking for Sky Sports News, contrasted the playing styles of Gyökeres and Havertz. He explained that Gyökeres prefers making runs behind the defence, operating on the shoulder of the back line, and exploiting the channels between centre‑backs and full‑backs.
In contrast, Havertz excels at holding up the ball, linking play, and providing a platform for the front three. Bothroyd suggested that Arteta might also look to Mikel Merino, who shares many of Havertz's technical attributes—ball retention, vision, and passing ability—while also offering a physical presence in the box. Bothroyd concluded that while Gyökeres is likely to start, his continued selection will depend on his ability to replicate Havertz's link‑up play and contribute effectively to Arsenal's attacking phases.
If he falls short, Merino could see increased minutes as Arteta searches for a player who can blend technical skill with physical robustness. In summary, Havertz's injury is a setback but not necessarily a disaster for Arsenal.
The club has a window of recovery time before the next league match, and the coaching staff have alternative options in Gyökeres and Merino to fill the creative void. The medical scans later this week will determine whether Havertz can return swiftly or if a longer rehabilitation period is required. Meanwhile, Arsenal will continue to adapt their tactics and personnel to maintain momentum in the Premier League race.