Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for a medical assessment after picking up an injury during Germany's Nations League match against the Netherlands. The German forward limped off in the first half of Thursday's 1-1 draw in Amsterdam after a challenge from Quinten Timber, and was replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib. Initial reports suggest the problem is a minor muscle strain, but the decision was made for Havertz to leave the German camp and receive treatment under Arsenal's medical staff, which means he will miss the remainder of the international window.
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 a diagnosis by Thursday evening.
It's not ideal, but I hope it's nothing serious. The lads are probably out for us, but we hope they can be back relatively quickly," Klopp said. Havertz has featured prominently for Arsenal this season, starting six of the club's eight matches across all competitions and contributing three goals. Although the current injury appears to be low‑grade, it adds to a growing list of setbacks for the 27‑year‑old.
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 out. Arsenal now face a potential shortage in the attacking department. If Havertz remains sidelined, Viktor Gyökeres would become the primary striker, with Mikel Merino also being deployed in a forward role.
The Gunners are scheduled to host Leeds United on Saturday, 10 October, in their next Premier League fixture, giving them roughly two weeks to assess Havertz's recovery. Klopp has already named replacements for the German side's upcoming match: Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt will take the places of Havertz and Musiala.
Sky Sports' Nick Wright offered an optimistic view, noting that the early timing of the injury could work in Arsenal's favour, as it allows more than fourteen days of recovery before the Leeds game. Nevertheless, the setback is uncomfortable given Arsenal's recent attempts to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window. Havertz's injury history, highlighted by the lengthy hamstring lay‑off in 2025, continues to be a cause for concern among supporters and analysts.
Gyökeres, who stepped in for Havertz last season and netted 21 goals in all competitions, has struggled to make an impact this campaign, accumulating only 29 Premier League minutes and recording a single shot in two starts against Napoli and Ipswich. His peripheral role at the start of the season follows Arsenal's well‑documented pursuit of high‑profile forwards such as Julian Alvarez and Vinícius Júnior. Gyökeres must now seize any opportunity to prove his worth to manager Mikel Arteta. Jay Bothroyd, also on Sky Sports News, contrasted Gyökeres' playing style with that of Havertz.
He explained that Gyökeres prefers making runs behind the defence, operating on the shoulder and exploiting the channels between centre‑backs and full‑backs. "Arsenal will need to adapt their build‑up play, looking for him earlier on the half‑turn because he has pace and strength," Bothroyd said.
He added that Gyökeres must improve his hold‑up play, a trait that Havertz excels at, providing a platform for link‑up with the front three. Bothroyd suggested that Arteta might also consider Merino, who shares many of Havertz's technical qualities, such as ball retention, vision and passing ability, and has already demonstrated a knack for scoring important goals. In summary, while Arsenal hope that Havertz's injury is minor and that he can be back in training before the Leeds match, the club must prepare for the possibility of an extended absence.
The situation underscores the importance of depth in the attacking line‑up and may accelerate Arteta's search for a reliable striker who can replicate Havertz's creative contributions. The next few weeks will be crucial for both the player and the club as they navigate medical assessments, potential squad rotations, and the ongoing demands of the Premier League schedule.