Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for a medical evaluation after sustaining an injury during Germany's Nations League encounter with the Netherlands. The German forward was forced off the pitch in the first half of Thursday's 1-1 draw in Amsterdam after a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber, with Younes Ebnoutalib coming on to replace him. Initial reports suggest the problem is a relatively minor muscle strain, but the decision was made for Havertz to leave the German training camp and receive treatment under Arsenal's medical staff, meaning 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 to have a diagnosis by Thursday evening," Klopp said. "It's not ideal, and I hope it's nothing serious. The lads are likely out for us, but we hope they can be back relatively quickly." Havertz has featured prominently for Arsenal this season, starting six of the club's eight matches across all competitions and contributing three goals.
While the current injury does not appear to be severe, it adds to a growing list of setbacks that have hampered his progress. The 27‑year‑old endured a limited Premier League campaign last season, making only seven starts due to recurring knee and muscle problems, and he missed the final three months of the 2024/25 season after suffering a hamstring tear. Arsenal's coaching staff will now monitor Havertz closely, hoping the early timing of the injury works in their favour. With more than two weeks before the Gunners' next Premier League fixture against Leeds United on October 10, there is a realistic window for recovery if the strain is indeed minor.
Nonetheless, the timing is uncomfortable for Arteta, who has been seeking to broaden his attacking options after a summer that saw limited success in the transfer market. In Havertz's absence, Arsenal have been forced to rely on Viktor Gyökeres as the primary striker, although midfielder Mikel Merino has also been deployed in a more advanced role. Gyökeres, who enjoyed a prolific season last term with 21 goals in all competitions, has struggled to make an impact early in the new campaign, logging just 29 Premier League minutes and registering only one shot in two starts against Napoli and Ipswich.
His reduced role reflects Arsenal's ongoing pursuit of marquee forwards such as Julian Alvarez and Vinícius Júnior, and underscores the pressure on Gyökeres to prove his worth to Mikel Arteta. Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright highlighted Arsenal's optimism that Havertz's injury is not serious, noting that the early stage of the international break provides a valuable recovery window. Wright also warned that the injury comes on the heels of Arsenal's attempts to bolster their front line during the summer, and that Havertz's injury history—including a lengthy hamstring lay‑off in 2025—remains a cause for concern.
Former professional Jay Bothroyd, appearing on Sky Sports News, contrasted Gyökeres' playing style with Havertz's. Bothroyd explained that Gyökeres prefers to make runs behind the defence, exploit the space between centre‑backs and full‑backs, and use his speed and physicality. In contrast, Havertz offers a more rounded skill set: he holds up the ball, links play between the front three, and creates opportunities with his vision and passing ability.
Bothroyd suggested that if Gyökeres cannot replicate Havertz's hold‑up play and link‑up contributions, Arteta may look to Merino, who shares many of Havertz's technical attributes, including ball retention, vision, and the ability to deliver incisive passes. The German squad will also adjust for the upcoming match, with Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt named as replacements for both Havertz and Musiala. This reshuffle underscores the depth of talent available to Klopp, but also highlights the impact of injuries on both club and country. Looking ahead, Arsenal will need to manage their attacking options carefully.
If Havertz's recovery proceeds as hoped, he could be back in training within a week or two, providing Arteta with a versatile forward who can operate across the front line. In the meantime, Gyökeres must seize any opportunity to demonstrate his goal‑scoring instincts, while Merino may be given more responsibility to fill the creative void left by Havertz.
The Gunners' upcoming fixtures, starting with the home clash against Leeds United, will be crucial in determining whether the team can maintain momentum despite the temporary loss of one of their key attacking assets. Overall, while the injury is a setback, the early timing and Arsenal's medical resources give the club a realistic chance to have Havertz back on the pitch before the next league game. The situation also serves as a reminder of the fine margins in elite football, where a single challenge can ripple through club plans, international selections, and the broader transfer market dynamics.