Kai Havertz is expected to miss at least four of Arsenal’s next games with a muscular injury, which will also rule him out of the North London derby against Tottenham later this month.
The German forward will miss Thursday night’s Premier League match at Brentford, Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan and next week’s top-flight fixtures between Wolves and Spurs.
The setback adds to Arsenal’s injury concerns in attacking midfield – Havertz has started three of the club’s last four games, while Mikel Merino is also out for most of the rest of the season due to foot surgery.
However, Arsenal will carry out a late fitness test on captain Martin Odegaard ahead of Thursday’s trip to G-Tech, along with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. Meanwhile, Ebereshi Eze is another attacking midfield option for manager Mikel Arteta.
Sunday, February 22nd 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
However, there is no recall clause or option for Ethan Nwaneri’s loan move to Marseille due to injuries to Merino and Havertz.
The Arsenal winger was sent on a six-month loan to Marseille in the January transfer window, with the possibility of working under Roberto De Zerbi being one of the main reasons for the 18-year-old to join the Ligue 1 club.
However, with De Zerbi leaving Marseille this week, Nwaneri will remain in the south of France until the end of the season, despite Arsenal losing a midfield option.
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Kai Havertz scored late in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against his former club Chelsea, ensuring Arsenal’s place in the final at Wembley.
Analysis: Will Havertz influence the return of Mini Gökeres?
Sam Blitz of Sky Sports:
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an attacking boost when they needed it most. Havertz’s return to the team brings new energy after the loss to Manchester United raised questions about the Gunners’ ability to create chances from open play.
In the four games since that game against United, Havertz has started three and scored 11 goals for Arsenal. In those games he scored two goals and provided two assists, reminding Mikel Arteta why he rates him so highly.
Victor Gokeres really benefited from playing alongside Havertz
One area where Havertz really benefited Arsenal was in his partnership with under-fire striker Victor Gökeres. The Swedish striker played three games with Havertz and scored in all of them, with the German also setting up Gokeres against Kairat Almaty and Sunderland.
Amid the debate over who should start in Arsenal’s front line and attacking midfield, Arteta believes he has found the answer for the time being in a partnership between Gokeres and Havertz. But now the Arsenal manager must think again.
Martin Odegaard and Ebereshi Eze have faced critics in recent weeks for their attacking power and creativity, but now the pair will need to step up between them to lead Arsenal’s attack behind the central striker.
Over the next two-and-a-half weeks, the Gunners will play one of the Premier League sides in Brentford, as well as two further London derbies against new Spurs and Chelsea. Between Gokeres, Odegaard, and Eze, who are the attacking players who will step up when the team needs them?
Havertz’s injury struggles
Havertz’s muscle problem is just the latest in a series of injuries the 26-year-old has suffered.
The German international has missed most of this season after sustaining a knee injury on the opening day of the season, which has kept him sidelined for five months.
Havertz, meanwhile, suffered a hamstring injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai in February 2025 and missed most of the second half of last season as Arsenal looked to chase down Liverpool in the Premier League.
The problem required surgery and the player will miss the remainder of the campaign.
Wednesday, February 18th 7:30pm
Kickoff at 8pm
Arsenal’s next 6 games
12 February: Brentford (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm February 15: Wigan (H) – FA Cup, kick-off 4:30pm February 18: Wolves (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm – live on Sky Sports February 22: Tottenham (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4:30pm – live on Sky Sports March 1: Chelsea (h) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm – live on Sky Sports March 4: Brighton (a) – Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
