Arsenal’s Havertz Set to Miss Remainder of Season
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Synopsis
Arsenal faces a significant setback in their Premier League title pursuit as forward Kai Havertz is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained in Dubai. This adds to a growing list of absentees for Mikel Arteta's squad, impacting their attacking options going forward.
Key Takeaways
- Kai Havertz likely out for the season with a torn hamstring.
- Arsenal's attacking options are severely limited.
- They remain actively on the lookout for reinforcements.
- Upcoming matches will require creative solutions.
- Effective squad rotation is crucial for the Gunners.
Dubai, Feb 12 (NationPress) Arsenal's quest for the Premier League title has encountered a significant setback as forward Kai Havertz is anticipated to be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring. The German international suffered the injury during the team's training session in Dubai, contributing to an alarming roster of absentees for Mikel Arteta's side.
As reported by The Athletic, Havertz was due for evaluation following the injury. It remains uncertain if the 25-year-old will need surgical intervention, but his primary goal is to regain fitness ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Throughout the season, Havertz, 25, was a near-constant figure for Arsenal, netting 15 goals and providing five assists in 34 matches across all competitions. His absence further weakens an already depleted attacking line, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus all dealing with long-term injuries. The Gunners had been actively seeking reinforcements in the January transfer window but ended in disappointment with no player arrivals before the deadline.
Saka, who underwent hamstring surgery in December, is not expected to return until March, while Martinelli is likely to be unavailable for another month. Jesus, on the other hand, faces a lengthy recovery following an ACL injury.
Arsenal had pursued attacking options during the January transfer period, including a bid for Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, but ultimately decided to postpone any signings until summer. This leaves Arteta with only three senior forwards—Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling—to spearhead the attack in the upcoming weeks.
With crucial matches approaching, including a fixture against Leicester City on Saturday and upcoming games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest later this month, Arteta may need to adopt a creative approach. Trossard, who possesses experience as a centre-forward, is the most likely choice to lead the line, while Nwaneri, who has scored three goals in 2025, could play on the right, and Sterling on the left.
In addition to his senior squad, Arteta might consider the academy for support. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ismeal Kabia, both of whom made their first-team debuts earlier this season, could be called up.
With seven matches remaining before the March international break, including three midweek games, effective squad rotation will be vital. Arsenal currently occupies second place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by six points.
