Kai Havertz returns to Arsenal after Germany injury setback
Kai HavertzArsenal forward Kai Havertz is returning to north London for treatment after picking up a hamstring injury while playing for Germany.
The 27-year-old was forced off after just 30 minutes of Germany’s 1-1 Nations League draw against the Netherlands on Thursday night.
Speaking to radio network RTL after the match, Germany manager Jurgen Klopp said:
“The boys are probably out for us. But hopefully then also relatively quickly available again.”
The German Football Association subsequently confirmed that Havertz had suffered a muscle strain, cutting short his time in Klopp’s first international camp.
A painful blow in Amsterdam
Havertz’s evening in Amsterdam was cut short following a heavy, high challenge from Crystal Palace midfielder Quinten Timber.
The German attacker tried to continue but ultimately had to be substituted on the half-hour mark after feeling discomfort in his right thigh.
It was a frustrating start to Klopp’s first outing in the Germany dugout, with Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala also pulling out before kick-off.
In a statement released after the match, the German Football Association confirmed the double injury setback:
“Havertz, of Arsenal, suffered a muscle strain during Germany’s 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in their Uefa Nations League opener on Thursday and had to be substituted in the 30th minute.”
While the Gunners are optimistic that the setback is not a long-term issue, any hamstring trouble causes immediate anxiety at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta’s attacking dilemma
The timing is frustrating for Mikel Arteta: Havertz has been his first-choice striker this season.
Arsenal were beaten 3-0 by Brighton before the international break, and losing their first-choice centre-forward would further complicate a demanding autumn schedule.
Arsenal, the defending champions, have played five Premier League matches this season, and Havertz has been in the starting eleven for every one of them. In his seven appearances across all competitions, he has scored three goals.
An opportunity for Gyokeres
If Havertz is sidelined for any length of time, the spotlight will inevitably shift to Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sweden international has played just 29 Premier League minutes so far and managed a solitary shot in two starts against Napoli and Ipswich.
Mikel Merino, who has also been used as a striker by Arteta, is the other option.
Arsenal are not back in action until they host Leeds United on Saturday 10 October, giving Havertz just over two weeks to recover.
