Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a hamstring injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai. The Premier League side confirmed that the 25-year-old will require surgery, with his rehabilitation expected to extend into pre-season for the 2025-26 campaign.
Havertz’s absence is a significant blow for manager Mikel Arteta, who now finds himself without a recognised striker for the rest of the season. The German international has been a key figure for Arsenal, making 34 appearances and contributing 15 goals and five assists across all competitions.
The club released a statement confirming the severity of Havertz’s injury, saying: “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.”
Havertz’s injury further depletes Arsenal’s attacking options, with several key players already sidelined. Striker Gabriel Jesus is recovering from surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, while Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery in December.
Additionally, Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle, ruling him out for more than a month.
Arteta will likely address Havertz’s absence during his press conference on Friday ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester City on Saturday.
The Spanish manager had already expressed concerns over the lack of attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window.
An attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was rejected, while links to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson failed to materialise into concrete deals.
Criticism has mounted over Arsenal’s failure to sign a proven striker, with pundits and fans questioning the club’s ability to sustain a title challenge.
Prior to these latest setbacks, Arteta had hinted that Havertz might have to play in every match for the remainder of the season.
Now, the manager may have to rely on wingers such as Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and academy talent Ethan Nwaneri to fill the attacking void.
Arsenal had travelled to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp following their elimination from the EFL Cup at the hands of Newcastle in the semi-finals.
The Gunners were also not involved in FA Cup action this past weekend, having been knocked out by Manchester United in the third round.
Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
Last season, the club benefitted from a similar mid-season break, winning 16 of their next 18 games. Arteta will be hoping for a similar resurgence in form, though the mounting injury crisis threatens to derail their campaign.
