Arsenal striker Kai Havertz is set to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai.
The Germany international, who has been a key player in recent months, now faces a lengthy recovery period.
Havertz has been an almost ever-present figure for the Gunners over the past two months, featuring in a packed schedule that saw Arsenal play every three days.
His contributions were crucial, even as the team suffered a Carabao Cup semi-final exit against Newcastle last week.
Manager Mikel Arteta had hoped the warm-weather training camp would help his squad regain peak fitness ahead of the crucial season run-in. Instead, the trip has added to Arsenal’s growing list of injury concerns.
Uncertainty Over Havertz’s Recovery Timeline
Reports first emerged on Tuesday about Havertz’s injury, and scans conducted earlier today have confirmed the severity of the setback.
According to The Athletic, it remains unclear whether surgery will be required, but Arsenal’s focus is already on ensuring the 25-year-old is fit in time for the 2024/25 campaign.
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Despite some inconsistency in front of goal, Havertz has proven to be a vital asset for Arteta’s team, netting 15 goals across all competitions this season.
His importance has only increased following Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending injury, placing additional pressure on Arsenal’s attacking options.
Arteta’s Praise for Havertz’s Durability
Ironically, Arteta had recently commended Havertz for his durability and availability amidst Arsenal’s failure to sign attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window.
“He has played a lot of football, but his robustness, his availability is unbelievable,” Arteta said earlier this month.
“When you ask him, he feels better when he is playing every three days.”
Arsenal’s Attacking Depth Severely Tested
With Havertz, Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka all sidelined, Arsenal’s forward options are now extremely limited.
As it stands, Arteta can only rely on Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri for attacking duties.
Arteta has acknowledged the need for flexibility in his frontline, hinting at potential tactical adjustments.
“We are going to have to be flexible in the front line,” he said. “Raheem [Sterling] has played in that position, Ethan [Nwaneri] can play there, and Martinelli as well. At some point, we may have to try something different.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures on the horizon, Arsenal will need to adapt quickly to their depleted squad.
The Gunners’ title hopes could now hinge on how effectively Arteta manages his remaining attacking options in the coming weeks.
