Kai Havertz has played just once for Arsenal in the Premier League this season after suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 opening day victory at Manchester United
Kai Havertz is expected to return to action for Arsenal before the end of 2025, according to his Germany national team boss Julian Nagelsmann.
The 26-year-old attacker has been missing since August when he was forced to undergo a minor surgical procedure after suffering a knee issue in the 1-0 opening day Premier League victory at Manchester United.
While Havertz’s 2023 arrival from Chelsea initially raised eyebrows, he quickly established himself as a firm fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium, rattling in 13 top-flight goals in his debut campaign.
He also mustered nine Premier League goals last term despite suffering serious damage to his hamstring when he blocked a shot during a mid-season warm-weather training session in Dubai in February.
The German forward was forced to undergo an operation and would only return to play a bit-part role from the bench in Arsenal’s final two league matches against Newcastle and Southampton, respectively.
READ MORE: Nacho Monreal details role he played for Arsenal in Martin Zubimendi transferREAD MORE: Five Arsenal stars pictured training before Tottenham clash including long-term absentee
The overriding positive, however, was that Havertz would wipe the slate clean in the summer and be fully fit for the new season. Sadly, all the hard work was soon undone at Old Trafford.
He has been such an integral figure in Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory over the past couple of seasons having taken his game to the next level under Mikel Arteta.
The prospect of Arsenal going the distance without Havertz seemed almost unimaginable given how indispensable he has become since signing on the dotted line at the Emirates Stadium.
But the cold truth is, the Gunners have now learnt how to cope without him, even though he’ll be a welcome addition to the squad when he finally returns.
However, Viktor Gyokeres is likely to remain Arteta’s main striker in attack and with Gabriel Jesus also on the comeback trail, Havertz is no longer a guaranteed starter.
He has been central to everything that has been good about Arteta’s side in the past few seasons but now he has a major fight on his hands to earn regular minutes given Arsenal spent big money to bring in Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The Swede has been earmarked as the missing piece of the puzzle.
Havertz was initially signed as an attacking midfielder but competition for places in north London is now stronger than ever following the arrival of Eberechi Eze.
Martin Odegaard will also be back soon, Mikel Merino is in splendid goalscoring form and Ethan Nwaneri is also pushing hard for opportunities.
For the first time in Havertz’s Arsenal career, he no longer looks a shoo-in and he’ll need to rediscover his sparkling goalscoring form in order to secure a prolonged run in the side. Still, don’t bet against him still having a big say in Arsenal’s season despite his place now being placed under huge threat.
