Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for a medical evaluation after sustaining an injury during Germany's Nations League match against the Netherlands. The German forward was forced off in the first half of the 1-1 draw in Amsterdam after a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber, with Younes Ebnoutalib coming on as his replacement.
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, 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 magnetic resonance imaging scans. "We expect to have a diagnosis by Thursday evening," Klopp said.
"It's not ideal, but I hope it's nothing serious. The lads are likely out for us, but we 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 finding the net three times.
Although the current injury appears to be low‑grade, it adds to a growing list of setbacks that have hampered his progress. The 27‑year‑old endured a limited season last term, managing 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 will now have to manage without their versatile attacker as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture at home against Leeds United on Saturday, 10 October. In Havertz's absence, the Gunners have relied on Viktor Gyökerés as their primary striking option, although midfielder Mikel Merino has also been deployed further forward on occasion. Gyökerés, who thrived last season by scoring 21 goals in all competitions, has struggled to make an impact early in the new campaign, logging just 29 minutes in the Premier League and registering only a single shot in two starts against Napoli and Ipswich. The timing of Havertz's injury is particularly inconvenient for Arsenal, who have been active in the transfer market this summer trying to bolster their attacking options.
The club has been linked with high‑profile targets such as Julian Álvarez and Vinícius Júnior, and the loss of Havertz, even if temporary, raises concerns about depth up front. Moreover, his injury history—including a prolonged lay‑off due to a hamstring issue in 2025—adds a layer of caution for Arteta's coaching staff.
Klopp's squad for Germany's next match will see Havertz and Musiala replaced by Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt, offering the young talents an opportunity to step up on the international stage. Meanwhile, Arsenal's backroom team will likely conduct a thorough assessment of Havertz's condition, employing MRI results, physiotherapy, and a tailored rehabilitation programme to ensure a swift and safe return. Analysts from Sky Sports have weighed in on the situation. Nick Wright highlighted that Arsenal can take some solace from the fact that the injury occurred early in the international break, leaving more than two weeks for recovery before the Leeds game.
However, he cautioned that the injury underscores the club's ongoing challenges in securing a reliable goal‑scoring outlet, especially after missing out on marquee signings. Jay Bothroyd offered a tactical perspective, noting that Gyökerés possesses a different skill set compared to Havertz. "Gyökerés likes to make runs behind the defence, operates on the shoulder, and exploits the channels between centre‑backs and full‑backs," Bothroyd explained. "He brings speed and physicality, but he needs to improve his hold‑up play, an area where Havertz excels.
Havertz provides a platform for link‑up play with the front three, and Gyökerés will have to replicate that to fit Arteta's system." Bothroyd also suggested that Mikel Merino could be a viable alternative. "Merino shares many of Havertz's attributes—technical proficiency, ball retention, vision, and passing ability. He has also scored important goals in the box," he said. "If Gyökerés does not deliver the expected output early on, Arteta may turn to Merino as a more suitable option." In summary, Havertz's return to Arsenal for medical assessment marks a short‑term setback for both club and country, but the early timing of the injury provides a window for recovery.
Arsenal must now navigate the next few weeks without their versatile forward, relying on Gyökerés and potentially Merino to fill the creative and scoring void. The club's ability to adapt tactically and manage player fitness will be crucial as they look to maintain momentum in the Premier League and pursue their broader ambitions for the season.