Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for a medical assessment following an injury he picked up 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, and Havertz was forced off after a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber in the first half. He was replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib as the game continued.
Initial reports suggest the problem is a minor muscle strain, but the forward has left the German squad to undergo further evaluation at Arsenal's facilities. This move means he will miss the remainder of the international break, which includes Germany's upcoming fixtures. "Both are currently undergoing an MRI," German manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed, referring to Havertz and Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala, who also suffered a suspected thigh issue during the same night.
"I hope we get the diagnosis Thursday evening. It's not ideal, and I hope it's nothing serious.
The lads are probably out for us, but hopefully they'll be back in action 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 finding the net three times. While the current injury is not expected to be severe, it adds to a growing list of setbacks that have hampered his progress since joining the Gunners.
The 27-year-old endured a difficult campaign last season, managing only seven Premier League starts because of recurring knee and muscle problems. He then missed the final three months of the 2024/25 season after suffering a hamstring tear, a lay‑off that kept him out of crucial fixtures.
Arsenal now face a potential shortage in their attacking options. If Havertz is sidelined for an extended period, Viktor Gyokeres could become the club's primary striker, although Mikel Merino has also been deployed in a forward role recently.
Arsenal's next Premier League match is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, when they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. In Germany's squad, Havertz and Musiala will be replaced by Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt for the next international encounter.
Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright offered a measured outlook, noting that Arsenal are hopeful the injury is not serious. He pointed out that the timing could work in their favour, as the incident occurred early in the international window, leaving more than two weeks for recovery before the Leeds game.
Nonetheless, the injury comes at an uncomfortable moment, following Arsenal's unsuccessful attempts to secure an additional forward during the summer transfer window. Havertz's injury history, including the lengthy hamstring lay‑off in 2025, adds another layer of concern for manager Mikel Arteta. Gyokeres, who stepped in for Havertz last season and scored 21 goals in all competitions, has struggled to make an impact this campaign.
He has logged only 29 Premier League minutes and recorded a single shot in two starts against Napoli and Ipswich. His peripheral role early in the season reflects Arsenal's well‑documented pursuit of high‑profile attackers such as Julian Alvarez and Vinícius Júnior.
Gyokeres must seize any opportunity to prove his worth to Arteta. Former professional Jay Bothroyd, speaking for Sky Sports News, contrasted Gyokeres' style with Havertz's.
He explained that Gyokeres prefers to make runs behind the defence, operate on the shoulder of the striker, and exploit the channels between centre‑backs and full‑backs. Bothroyd highlighted that Arsenal may need to adjust their tactical approach to accommodate Gyokeres' speed and physicality, especially in terms of quick transitions and half‑turns. However, Bothroyd also warned that Gyokeres needs to improve his hold‑up play.
"Havertz provides a platform," he said, emphasizing Havertz's ability to link up with the front three, retain possession, and create space for teammates. "Gyokeres must replicate that, but Arteta might also look to Merino, who shares many of Havertz's attributes—technical skill, ball retention, vision, and passing ability." Bothroyd noted that Merino has already shown his quality by scoring important goals and could be a viable alternative if Gyokeres fails to meet expectations early on. The competition for places in Arteta's attack is intensifying, and the manager will likely weigh the performances of Gyokeres, Merino, and any returning players before finalising his lineup. In summary, Havertz's injury, while seemingly minor, adds another complication to Arsenal's attacking options.
The club hopes for a swift diagnosis and recovery, giving the forward a chance to rejoin training before the crucial Leeds fixture. Meanwhile, the coaching staff must navigate the uncertainty by potentially relying on Gyokeres, Merino, or other squad members to fill the void. The next few weeks will be decisive for both Havertz's personal comeback and Arsenal's broader strategy to strengthen their forward line ahead of the demanding season ahead.