Arsenal have been handed another injury concern after Kai Havertz was forced to leave Germany duty early following a muscle injury during the international break.
The German forward picked up the problem during Germany’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in the Nations League. Havertz was involved for around 30 minutes before receiving treatment and eventually being substituted after appearing to feel discomfort around his thigh and hamstring area.
Initial reports suggested that the injury was a muscle strain, with scans carried out to determine the seriousness of the problem. Germany subsequently confirmed that Havertz would leave the national team camp and return to Arsenal for further treatment and assessment.
The injury has naturally caused concern around Arsenal because Havertz has become an important part of Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans. The 27-year-old had started all five of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season before the international break and had also contributed goals during the opening weeks of the campaign.
No Confirmed Return Date Yet
At the moment, there is no officially confirmed date for Havertz’s return to competitive action.
Arsenal will reportedly monitor his recovery closely before making a decision on when he can resume full training and matches. The fact that the injury occurred early in the international break gives the forward some valuable recovery time.
Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture is scheduled for October 10 against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium. That match is currently being viewed as a potential target for Havertz, although his availability will depend on how quickly he recovers and whether medical staff consider him ready to return.
Reports have suggested that Arsenal are optimistic that the injury is not a major one. However, the club will not want to rush Havertz back, particularly because he has experienced significant injury problems in recent seasons.
Arsenal Waiting on Medical Assessment
Germany manager Jürgen Klopp admitted after the Netherlands game that both Havertz and Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala were undergoing MRI scans.
Klopp expressed hope that the injury would not be serious and that the players could return to action relatively quickly. Havertz was subsequently released from the Germany squad so that he could continue his recovery with Arsenal.
For Arteta, the situation creates another selection issue in attack. Arsenal have Viktor Gyökeres available as a natural centre-forward option, while Mikel Merino has previously been used in an advanced role when required.
Gyökeres could therefore receive more opportunities if Havertz is unavailable for the Leeds fixture. Arsenal will nevertheless be hoping that Havertz’s injury proves to be minor and that he can return without complications.
When Could Havertz Return?
Based on the current information, October 10 against Leeds United could be a possible return date, but it should not be treated as confirmed. Current injury tracking still lists Havertz as being assessed with no definite return date.
The priority for Arsenal will be ensuring that the German international is fully recovered before putting him back into competitive action.
Havertz’s importance to Arteta’s system means his return will be closely followed by Arsenal supporters. If his recovery progresses well during the international break, there could be optimism that he will be available when Arsenal return to Premier League action.
For now, however, Arsenal fans will have to wait for further medical updates before knowing exactly when Kai Havertz will return to the pitch.
