Arsenal’s injury crisis deepened after confirmation that forward Kai Havertz has undergone minor knee surgery. The German international, who picked up the problem in training after featuring as an unused substitute in the Gunners’ victory over Manchester United, is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.
The setback comes at a time when Arsenal are already grappling with a growing list of absentees. Havertz’s absence from the emphatic 5-0 win over Leeds United raised eyebrows, with medical checks later confirming the need for a quick surgical procedure. Fortunately for Arsenal, the forward’s rehabilitation timeline is relatively short, with hopes he will return to action by late September.
Havertz’s season has already been interrupted by injuries. Earlier in 2024, a hamstring issue kept him out for nearly three months between February and May. The new problem, however, is considered far less severe, giving Arsenal confidence that he can play a key role again within weeks rather than months.
The German has been left out of his national team’s September fixtures, allowing him to focus fully on recovery with his club. For Arsenal, this comes as a relief, as manager Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements ahead of a congested domestic and European schedule.
Havertz is not the only concern at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring strain in the win over Leeds and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks. Club captain Martin Odegaard is also nursing a shoulder problem, while Gabriel Jesus continues his comeback from ACL surgery sustained in January. Ben White and Christian Norgaard are other notable absentees.
The injuries have forced Arsenal to spread the attacking responsibility. In the win over Leeds, the team responded with a flurry of goals, while new signing Eberechi Eze has been drafted in to help alleviate some of the creative burden. The £60 million arrival offers flexibility across the forward line until Havertz and others return.
If Havertz’s rehabilitation progresses as planned, he could be back in contention by the end of September. This would be a timely boost ahead of crucial fixtures and the upcoming international break in October. For Arteta, welcoming back Havertz alongside Saka and Odegaard could provide the much-needed firepower to sustain Arsenal’s strong start to the campaign.
