Is Arsenal's Havertz Facing Knee Surgery?

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set to undergo knee surgery but is anticipated to return to action within weeks, rather than months. The 26-year-old played 30 minutes in the season opener against Manchester United but missed the subsequent 5-0 victory over Leeds due to the injury. This situation has prompted Arsenal to pursue a transfer for Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, enhancing the squad for upcoming matches.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Kai Havertz will have knee surgery but isn’t expected to be out long-term.
• He played a substitute role in the opening match against Manchester United.
• Arsenal are facing a growing injury list, impacting their attacking options.
• Viktor Gyokeres stepped up as the only fit striker, scoring twice against Leeds.
• Arsenal is actively pursuing Eberechi Eze to bolster their squad.

Havertz's Injury Overview

Havertz’s knee injury arose shortly after he contributed to Arsenal's opening victory against Manchester United, where he came off the bench for 30 minutes. His absence from the impressive 5-0 win over Leeds has raised concerns, particularly with Arsenal's current roster already facing multiple injury woes.

Impact on Arsenal's Squad

The injury to Havertz is a significant concern for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, especially as he deals with other injuries to key players. Winger Bukayo Saka, midfielders Martin Ødegaard and Christian Nørgaard, defender Ben White, and forward Gabriel Jesus are all sidelined, creating a challenging scenario for the squad.

Next Steps for Havertz

Prior to the Leeds match, Arteta indicated that the team needed more time to assess Havertz's injury. The decision for surgery suggests that the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery. “We need to act in the best interests of the player,” Arteta commented, emphasising the importance of careful management.

Arsenal's Transfer Activity

In response to the injury crisis, Arsenal has accelerated their interest in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. The club reportedly agreed on a transfer fee of £60 million, and Eze has already started training with the team. This addition is crucial as Arsenal prepares for a challenging fixture against champions Liverpool on Sunday.

Looking Ahead: Fixture against Liverpool

Arsenal will face Liverpool at Anfield, a match that both teams enter with two consecutive league wins. The absence of several key players, including Havertz, could impact their chances against a formidable Liverpool side. Arteta will need to rely heavily on his remaining fit players, particularly Viktor Gyokeres, who is coming off a strong performance against Leeds.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Kai Havertz's knee injury highlights the challenges of managing a football squad through injury crises, especially at the start of the season. With the upcoming match against Liverpool looming, Arsenal fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for their star player and a successful integration of Eze into the squad. As the season progresses, the adaptability of Arsenal’s management and players will be put to the test.

FAQs

How long is Kai Havertz expected to be out due to his knee injury?

Kai Havertz is expected to be out for a few weeks following his knee surgery, rather than months, which is positive news for Arsenal.

Who is the only fit striker for Arsenal currently?

Viktor Gyokeres is the only fit striker for Arsenal at the moment, and he scored two goals in their recent match against Leeds.

What is the status of Eberechi Eze's transfer to Arsenal?

Eberechi Eze has signed with Arsenal for £60 million and has begun training with the team, providing much-needed depth to the squad.

Who else is injured in the Arsenal squad?

Alongside Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Christian Nørgaard, Ben White, and Gabriel Jesus are currently sidelined due to injuries.

When will Arsenal play Liverpool next?

Arsenal is scheduled to play Liverpool on Sunday, following their recent victories in the league.