Arsenal have been dealt a devastating blow as Kai Havertz is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a significant hamstring injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai, reports say.
The injury crisis deepens for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are already without several key attacking players in their pursuit to overtake Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
The German international’s injury was revealed by the Daily Mail on Tuesday night, with sources at the publication now confirming the forward faces a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Havertz’s absence is particularly significant as he leads Arsenal’s scoring charts this season with 15 goals.
Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta has suffered a nightmare blow with Kai Havertz set to miss the rest of the season
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The loss of their top marksman compounds Arsenal’s attacking woes, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all currently sidelined through injury.
This mounting injury crisis in the forward line severely hampers Arsenal’s offensive capabilities at a crucial point in their title challenge as they bid to reel in Liverpool.
Arsenal’s decision not to strengthen their attacking options during the January transfer window has come under renewed scrutiny following Havertz’s injury.
The club faced criticism for their lack of forward recruitment during the winter window, having seen a bid for Ollie Watkins turned down by Aston Villa.
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Arsenal news: Kai Havertz is set to miss the rest of the campaign after picking up an injury in Dubai
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The latest setback to Havertz will only intensify the backlash over Arsenal’s transfer strategy.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are considering surgical intervention for Takehiro Tomiyasu’s persistent knee problems, the report says.
The Japan defender has barely featured this season, managing just six minutes as a substitute in October’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.
Club medics at London Colney are giving serious consideration to surgery as concerns mount over Tomiyasu’s long-term fitness.
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The 26-year-old previously underwent knee surgery in 2023, which resulted in a three-month absence.
If a second operation is deemed necessary, it would require a lengthy rehabilitation period and further extend Tomiyasu’s time on the sidelines.
The defender’s Arsenal career has been plagued by injury setbacks since his arrival at the club.
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Speaking last month, Arteta offered an update on Tomiyasu’s situation, stating: “Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, but now because it’s been a long-term injury, we need to see how quickly he can progress and how he reacts.”
However, there is now growing pessimism surrounding Tomiyasu’s fitness situation.
There is some positive news for Arsenal’s defensive options, with Ben White nearing a return to action.
Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after suffering a serious ACL injury in the club’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United last month
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White, who underwent knee surgery in November, could be included in the squad for this weekend’s Leicester match.
Arsenal are currently six points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, having won 14 of their 24 matches so far.
However, Arne Slot’s side are favourites to secure glory given they also have a game in hand.