Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for a medical evaluation after picking up a knock during Germany's Nations League encounter with the Netherlands. The German forward was forced off in the first half of Thursday's 1-1 draw in Amsterdam after a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber, and he was replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib. According to reports, the injury appears to be a minor muscle strain, but the decision was made for Havertz to leave the German camp and receive treatment under Arsenal's medical staff. This move means he will miss the remainder of the international window, including Germany's upcoming fixtures.
Germany boss 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. "It's not ideal, and I hope it's nothing serious.
The lads are probably out for us, but I hope they can be back relatively quickly." Havertz has been a regular starter for Arsenal this season, featuring in six of the club's eight matches across all competitions and contributing three goals. While the current muscle strain is not believed to be severe, it adds to a growing list of setbacks for the 27‑year‑old.
Last season, his involvement was limited to just seven Premier League starts due to recurring knee and muscle problems, and he missed the final three months of the 2024/25 campaign after suffering a hamstring tear. Arsenal will now have to cope without their versatile attacker as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture at home to Leeds United on Saturday, 10 October. In Havertz's absence, Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as the club's primary striking option, although midfielder Mikel Merino has also been deployed in more advanced roles.
Gyökeres, who enjoyed a prolific season last term with 21 goals in all competitions, has struggled to find rhythm this season, logging just 29 Premier League minutes and managing only a single shot across two starts against Napoli and Ipswich. The timing of Havertz's injury is particularly uncomfortable for Arsenal, who spent the summer trying to bolster their attacking options. The club's transfer targets, including Julian Alvarez and Vinícius Júnior, have yet to materialise, leaving the team reliant on a thin forward line.
Havertz's injury history—most notably a lengthy lay‑off after a hamstring tear in 2025—adds to the anxiety surrounding his fitness. Klopp, meanwhile, has already named replacements for the German side's next match.
Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt have been called up to fill the void left by Havertz and Musiala. Both players bring different skill sets: Wirtz offers creativity and technical flair, while Burkardt provides physical presence and aerial ability.
Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright offered a cautiously optimistic view of Havertz's situation. He noted that the early stage of the international window gives Arsenal more than two weeks to recover the player before the Leeds game. However, Wright warned that the injury underscores the club's ongoing struggle to secure a reliable goal‑scoring outlet, especially after missing out on high‑profile signings. Former professional Jay Bothroyd, also speaking for Sky Sports News, compared Gyökeres' style to Havertz's.
He explained that Gyökeres prefers to make runs behind the defence, operate on the shoulder of the backline, and exploit the channels between centre‑backs and full‑backs. In contrast, Havertz is known for his ability to hold up the ball, link play, and act as a platform for the front three. Bothroyd suggested that while Gyökeres possesses speed and strength, he must improve his ball‑retention and link‑up work to replicate Havertz's influence. He also highlighted Merino as a potential alternative, praising the Spaniard's technical ability, vision, and passing range, which mirror many of Havertz's attributes.
If Gyökeres fails to meet the expectations in the early weeks of the season, Arteta may look to Merino or other squad members to fill the creative and scoring void. The Arsenal coaching staff will need to adjust their tactical approach, possibly incorporating quicker transitions and more direct runs to suit Gyökeres' strengths, while still maintaining the possession‑based style that defines Arteta's philosophy. In summary, Havertz's return to Arsenal for medical assessment marks another chapter in a season fraught with injury concerns for the German forward. While the muscle strain is likely minor, the club must manage his rehabilitation carefully to avoid a repeat of past setbacks.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's attacking options remain in flux, with Gyökeres, Merino, and other squad players vying for a more prominent role as the Gunners aim to solidify their position in the Premier League standings.