Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League have been dealt a major blow as reports suggest Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring.
The German forward picked up the injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai. Further tests are expected once the team returns to England.
According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old’s injury is serious, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. Arsenal, however, have yet to officially comment on his condition.
Havertz’s absence adds to the growing challenges for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, especially after the club failed to strengthen their attack during the January transfer window. The Gunners attempted to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa but were unsuccessful.
Havertz was expected to lead Arsenal’s frontline for the rest of the season, with Arteta hinting he might have played in every game.
The injury crisis worsens as Gabriel Jesus is already out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December but could return next month. Gabriel Martinelli also remains out after getting injured during Arsenal’s League Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle.
This leaves Arsenal with just three fit forwards: Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri.
Havertz, who has scored 15 goals in 34 appearances this season, could be discussed by Arteta during his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s league game against Leicester.
Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played one game more. They are chasing their first league title in 21 years.
