Kai Havertz is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai.
With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to a ruptured ACL, Havertz had become the Gunners’ only natural option at striker.
However, Arsenal’s failure to bring in a new forward during the January transfer window has now backfired spectacularly.
Kai Havertz picked up the injury earlier this week during a training session in Dubai, where Mikel Arteta had taken his side for a warm-weather camp.
The Gunners are currently six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, and Havertz’s injury represents a significant blow to their hopes of chasing down the Reds for the title.
According to The Athletic, it has now been confirmed that Havertz has suffered a torn hamstring.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the 25-year-old will require surgery, but his primary focus is on recovering in time for the start of the 2025-26 season.
It’s a frustrating setback for Havertz, who had been available for nearly every match this season, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
Havertz’s absence leaves Arteta with a major dilemma for the remainder of the season.
The manager will likely have to turn to one of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, or Raheem Sterling to fill the central striker role.
Should Arteta decide to use players from the Under-21s, striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and winger Ismael Kabia would be the most likely candidates.
Arsenal did make an attempt to sign a new forward following Jesus’ injury in the FA Cup against Manchester United.
Initially, they quickly abandoned their pursuit of Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
The Gunners then saw a £60million bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa, and Arsenal chiefs ultimately decided to shelve their search for a striker until the summer.
Arteta now has just a few days to find a replacement for Havertz ahead of Saturday’s match against struggling Leicester.
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