Arsenal have confirmed forward Kai Havertz will undergo surgery on a hamstring injury and is facing a battle to be fit for the start of next season.
The Germany international sustained the injury on the Gunners’ mid-season break in Dubai and will go under the knife in the coming days.
His absence for the remainder of this campaign is a major blow for Arsenal, who are already without a host of attacking options.
A medical update on Kai Havertz.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 13, 2025
The statement read: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.
“Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.
“Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”
Arsenal’s main attacking threat
Havertz has played the role of Arsenal’s main striker for much of the season, although he did briefly drop back into midfield when Gabriel Jesus was preferred in attack.
However, with the Brazilian sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month, Havertz was again deployed higher up the pitch with mixed results.
The Germany international has scored 15 goals and added five assists in 34 appearances in all competitions this season but has also missed 15 big chances in the Premier League, the third most alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and behind only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (18) and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (19).
Watkins was the subject of a £60million bid by Arsenal towards the end of the transfer window but Villa opted to keep the England international and instead sell Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Yet another blow for the Gunners
Arsenal have suffered from injuries in attacking areas all season.
England winger Bukayo Saka rejoined training in Dubai but is not expected to play until March while Gabriel Martinelli is also out for a month with a hamstring problem.
Arsenal are second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, and go to Leicester City on Saturday.