Arsenal has been hit by an injury scare as forward Kai Havertz withdraws from the Germany squad for their upcoming Nations League games. The 25-year-old, who has been one of the Gunners' best players this season, is dealing with a knee injury.
Havertz, a former Chelsea attacker, has shown remarkable form at the start of the 2024/25 season. He has played a pivotal role in propelling the north London giants to a fast start both in Premier League and Champions League matches. In his latest performance on Saturday, Havertz scored his fourth goal in as many games, helping Arsenal secure an eventual 3-1 victory over Southampton at Emirates Stadium. This was his sixth club strike across all competitions this term.
Germany National Team released statement:
"Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems."
However, with this recent injury setback, manager Mikel Arteta will be anxiously monitoring his fitness during the next few weeks before they resume their title bid away at Bournemouth later this month.
Arteta's praise for Havertz
Following Arsenal’s win against Southampton where Havertz shone brightly once again, manager Mikel Arteta had nothing but praise for him:
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, said:
"When he's practising, he wants more and he's not satisfied with what he's doing because there is still, I think, another level from him. Obviously, he's surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him and that confidence, you really sense it and now he's putting it into games and he's winning football matches which is great."
Arteta’s admiration for Havertz is evident and it’s clear that he sees him as an integral part of Arsenal’s success moving forward.
Other team updates
Despite missing key first-team stars like Jurrien Timber and Ben White on Saturday due to injuries or other reasons - both failed to make it into the matchday squad - there are hopes that they will be available when club football resumes. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is also expected to return from injury in late October.
On a positive note though, there were fitness boosts elsewhere within the team. Summer signing Mikel Merino made his second appearance for Arsenal while Takehiro Tomiyasu played for the first time this season. While Havertz's injury is a significant blow to Arsenal, the team will be looking to their other players to step up in his absence. The return of key players like Timber, White and Odegaard will also provide a much-needed boost as they continue their title bid.
While injuries are an unfortunate part of football, they also provide opportunities for other players to shine. As Arsenal navigates through these challenges, fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching how the team adjusts and performs in upcoming matches.
