Arsenal‘s injury crisis continues to deepen as the north Londoners have been dealt another blow, this time concerning striker Kai Havertz. The former Chelsea man has endured fitness struggles throughout the past year, with a severe hamstring problem sidelining him for a substantial portion of last season. Whilst this campaign was designed for Havertz to compete with Viktor Gyokeres for the central striker position, a knee complaint early in the season has ruled him out of contention.
There had been hopes that the forward would return to action shortly after the November international break, which would have provided perfect timing for the Gunners. An injury to Gyokeres and a prolonged knee issue for Gabriel Jesus have left Mikel Arteta relying on Mikel Merino as his primary attacking option, though their fitness remains under assessment.
Havertz might have provided the solution to that dilemma, but it appears the Arsenal star faces additional recovery time.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann revealed a fresh concern regarding the 26-year-old during a recent press conference, saying: “Kai had a minor relapse, but overall he’s doing well.”
He continued by suggesting there is an expectation that Havertz will return “towards the end of the [calendar] year.”
Havertz was unable to achieve full fitness in time to represent his country in their latest World Cup qualifiers, during which Germany secured their spot at next summer’s tournament.
Nagelsmann has expressed his support for Havertz and other injured stars, stating that they have ample time to recover, with the next international break not until March.
It comes after Gabriel Magalhaes picked up an injury while playing for Brazil, with reports suggesting the defender could be sidelined for one to two months due to a thigh problem.
As a result, he will almost certainly be sidelined for this weekend’s north London derby fixture against Tottenham.
That’s on top of doubts over Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and striker duo Gyokeres and Jesus.
Despite a busy summer transfer window, Arsenal’s squad depth will certainly be put to the test in the coming weeks.
If they can get through matches against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea in fine shape, then the Gunners will be in a good position to kick on.