Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will undergo surgery on a knee injury sustained after the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but the German international is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 26-year-old, who came off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day, was absent for the 5-0 home win against Leeds United last weekend. It has now been confirmed that he requires a minor operation to correct the problem, though medical staff are optimistic that his recovery will be measured in weeks rather than months.
Arteta faces injury pile-up
The news comes amid a growing injury list at the Emirates that has already tested manager Mikel Arteta’s squad depth. Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka, captain Martin Odegaard, new signing Christian Norgaard, defender Ben White, and striker Gabriel Jesus against Leeds. Despite those absences, the Gunners produced a dominant display, underpinned by summer arrival Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice to open his Premier League account.
Arteta acknowledged before the Leeds game that the club were still weighing up how best to treat Havertz’s knee issue, admitting: “We need more time before we can decide what the right action is.” The decision to proceed with surgery is seen as a precautionary step to prevent the injury from worsening.
The manager will now be hoping his German playmaker returns swiftly as Arsenal face a run of testing fixtures, beginning with a trip to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool on Sunday. Both clubs have won their first two matches of the season, setting up a clash that could shape early momentum in the title race.
Relief for Arsenal amid recruitment drive
While Havertz’s enforced absence is far from ideal, there is relief within the club that the prognosis is positive and he will likely miss only a handful of games. The former Chelsea attacker has gradually established himself under Arteta, offering versatility across the front line and in attacking midfield roles.
His injury also accelerated Arsenal’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who completed a £60m move to the Emirates this week. The England international has already joined training and is expected to be involved against Liverpool. Eze’s ability to operate between midfield and attack will help ease the burden while Havertz recovers, and his arrival is viewed as an important addition to a squad competing across multiple fronts.
Squad depth under scrutiny
Despite significant summer investment, Arsenal’s early-season injury concerns have revived questions over squad depth. The departures of fringe players during the window left Arteta with fewer options, and losing multiple key figures so soon has underlined the importance of versatility and fitness management.
Gyokeres’ strong start is a positive, but with Jesus sidelined and Havertz unavailable, Arsenal are short on natural forwards. The pressure on Saka to recover quickly is also clear, though the club will be wary of rushing him back given his workload over recent seasons.
Arteta is expected to turn to academy graduates and fringe players for squad cover, particularly if further setbacks occur. Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe could see increased minutes in Havertz’s absence, while Leandro Trossard may also be asked to play a more central role when required.
Looking ahead
For now, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Havertz’s surgery is considered straightforward, and Arsenal’s medical staff are confident he could return to training within a month. The timing means he could still play a significant part in the Gunners’ early-season push in both the Premier League and Champions League.
As Arteta prepares his squad for the trip to Liverpool, he will know that overcoming adversity early could strengthen his side’s resolve for the long campaign ahead. Havertz’s absence will be felt, but with Eze bedding in and Gyokeres firing, Arsenal remain well placed to continue their promising start.
