Arsenal announce Havertz injury absence as Arteta’s forward headache worsens

Arsenal have announced a statement confirming Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season through injury.

The German suffered a hamstring injury during the club’s winter training camp in Dubai. A statement on Arsenal’s club website said:

"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."

Mikel Arteta’s side dropped seven points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table after the Reds were held to a late draw against Everton on Wednesday night. But the Gunners’ title chances have taken a major hit with Havertz the only out-and-out striker fit at the club.

Havertz, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions so far this season, was Arteta’s answer to their title push with Arsenal failing to sign another frontman in the January transfer window. While Gabriel Jesus is also out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his ACL.

The latest blow for the Gunners limits their forward options further, with Havertz joining Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the treatment table. Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard are now Arsenal’s only fit first-team forwards, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri now set to be asked to play an even greater role.

Arteta had attempted to bring in Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins in the winter window but a bid was rejected by the Villans, who sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Arsenal were unable to get another forward in before the deadline, and that decision has been further criticised following Havertz’s injury.

Arsenal travel to Leicester City on Saturday, with Arteta’s forward line set to be down to the bones before Martinelli or Saka make their return from injury.