Arsenal Forward Kai Havertz Set to Miss Remainder of Season

LONDON, England — Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn hamstring suffered during a training camp in Dubai, The Athletic reported. The 25-year-old was evaluated after the injury occurred during a set-piece drill, and it remains uncertain whether he will undergo surgery. Havertz’s focus is on recovering for the start of the 2025-26 season.

The injury adds to the growing list of Arsenal’s injury woes in their attacking lineup. Bukayo Saka is recovering from hamstring surgery and is not expected back until March, while Gabriel Martinelli will be sidelined for at least a month due to a hamstring issue sustained against Newcastle United. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus is out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.

This season, Havertz had been a pivotal player for Arsenal, contributing 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. His absence leaves Arsenal’s offensive options severely limited, prompting concern from manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta’s squad is currently positioned second in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool by six points. They are set to face Leicester City this Saturday before hosting West Ham United on February 22, followed by a match at Nottingham Forest.

In light of the injuries, Arteta may adapt his tactics. Currently, he has only Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling as senior forward options. Trossard has experience playing as a center forward and could be utilized in that role along with Nwaneri and Sterling.

Arteta previously adjusted the team’s formation to accommodate the injuries, but with limited options, he may revert to a preferred 4-3-3 structure. Trossard’s previous adaptations to the role may be pivotal, as he has performed well alongside Havertz in a 4-4-2 setup earlier in the season.

Younger talent, such as 21-year-old Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, could be called upon if necessary. Butler-Oyedeji made his first-team debut against Dinamo Zagreb last month and has showcased scoring ability in the youth ranks.

With seven crucial matches ahead before the March international break, Arteta faces the challenge of maintaining consistency and pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League while also striving for success in the Champions League. Each game will require strategic rotations to keep players fresh amidst the ongoing injury crisis.

The recent injuries reflect a season riddled with physical setbacks for Arsenal, which has seen prominent players like Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino, and Martin Ødegaard also sidelined for varying periods.

Amidst this troublesome landscape, Arteta’s handling of the situation will be critical, both for the remainder of the season and for the Gunners’ long-term aspirations.