Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai. The German international, 25, suffered the setback while preparing for the remainder of the season with his teammates.
The Athletic initially reported that Havertz had torn his hamstring, and sources close to the player anticipate that surgery will be required. The forward returned to England with the squad on Tuesday, but Arsenal have yet to make an official statement regarding his condition. Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to address the injury in his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the team’s Premier League clash with Leicester City.
Arsenal’s attacking depth tested
Havertz’s injury compounds Arsenal’s existing issues in attack, with multiple key players already ruled out. Gabriel Jesus is recovering from surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, while Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December with a hamstring issue that required an operation. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli picked up a hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle and is expected to miss over a month of action.
Having played 34 matches across all competitions this season, Havertz has been a crucial figure in Arsenal’s attack, leading the team with 15 goals and five assists. His absence leaves Arteta without a natural striker for the rest of the season, a situation made worse by the club’s failure to secure attacking reinforcements in January.
Arsenal were linked with potential signings, including Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson. However, no deals materialized, and a bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was turned down. Arteta expressed frustration over the lack of movement in the transfer market, admitting he was “disappointed” by the club’s inability to strengthen the squad.
Title hopes under threat
Arsenal’s offensive struggles have already been a talking point, with many pundits and fans questioning whether the team had enough firepower to sustain their pursuit of silverware. Havertz had been earmarked to start in every remaining match, with Arteta suggesting alternative options like Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and youngster Ethan Nwaneri could fill the role.
The team traveled to Dubai last week following their Carabao Cup semi-final exit against Newcastle. They were also not involved in FA Cup action over the weekend after being eliminated by Manchester United in the third round.
Last season, a mid-season training camp proved beneficial, as Arsenal went on to win 16 of their next 18 fixtures. This time, however, the club faces an uphill battle. They currently sit second in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Liverpool by six points, with Jürgen Klopp’s side holding a game in hand.
