Arsenal confirm Kai Havertz to miss rest of 2024/25 season
What's the story
Arsenal FC have confirmed that their key forward Kai Havertz will be out for the rest of the season after suffering a severe hamstring injury. The German sustained the injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. "Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days," said an official club announcement. Here's more.
Recovery plan
Havertz's recovery timeline and Arsenal's striker shortage
Post-surgery, Havertz will undergo a thorough recovery and rehabilitation program. This is likely to extend into the pre-season preparations for the next season. The injury deprives Arsenal of a recognized striker for the remaining 14 Premier League games as they look to close in on Liverpool's lead. The club also faces a tough task in their ongoing Champions League campaign without Havertz.
Transfer setback
Arsenal's failed bid and injury woes
Arsenal's bid to sign a forward in the January transfer window fell flat as Aston Villa rejected their last-minute offer for Ollie Watkins. The club is also reeling from the loss of striker Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Squad challenges
Other injuries plague Arsenal's squad
Apart from Havertz and Jesus, Arsenal is also coping with other injury-related setbacks. Gabriel Martinelli will miss the next month due to a hamstring issue he picked up in their Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle. Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December 21 with a similar problem but is expected to return in March.
Squad adjustments
Sterling, Trossard, and Nwaneri to fill Havertz's void
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri need to step up in Havertz's absence. "Now the front three will be Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling. Mikel Arteta will have to sit down with Sterling and tell him he's got six or seven games as a starter," stated Paul Merson on Sky Sports.
Information
15 goals and 4 assists this season for Havertz
Havertz has bagged 15 goals and 4 assists in all competitions for Arsenal this season. 9 of his goals have come in the Premier League from 21 appearances (A3). Since his move from Chelsea, Havertz owns 29 goals and 11 assists for the Gunners from 85 appearances across competitions.