Havertz Suffers Season-Ending Hamstring Injury
It has been confirmed that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This news deals a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s plans, as Havertz has been Arsenal’s top scorer this season, playing a crucial role in their attacking setup.
Arsenal Left with Just Three Fit Attackers
Havertz’ injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of absentees, leaving Arteta with only three fit senior attackers: Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri. The situation is further complicated by Gabriel Martinelli’s recent hamstring injury, sustained during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United. Martinelli is expected to be sidelined for over a month, missing key Premier League fixtures against Leicester City, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and potentially Manchester United at Old Trafford on 9 March.
Double Blow Amid Existing Injury Woes
These fresh setbacks come after Arsenal had already lost Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in January. To compound matters, Bukayo Saka, arguably Arsenal’s most influential attacker, is also sidelined until March. This leaves Arsenal dangerously thin in attack, with their title hopes hanging in the balance should any further injuries occur.
Impact on Arsenal’s Season and Transfer Market Misses
Arsenal have faced injury challenges across multiple positions this season, disrupting their consistency compared to last year’s campaign. Despite these obstacles, they have performed admirably, maintaining strong form in both the Premier League and the Champions League. However, early exits from both domestic cup competitions have dealt a blow to their silverware ambitions, a situation arguably exacerbated by their failure to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.
The Gunners were linked with several attacking options, including Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Although they submitted a £60 million bid for Watkins, Aston Villa rejected the offer, having sold Jhon Durán to Al Nassr in the same window. Arsenal’s pursuit of new strikers highlighted their awareness of the need to bolster their attacking options, especially with the team trailing Liverpool by six points in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal’s Hopes for Swift Recoveries
Looking ahead, Arsenal will be desperate for swift recoveries for both Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, as the club faces crucial fixtures in March across both the Champions League and Premier League. With their squad stretched thin, having key attackers fit will be vital to maintaining their challenge for major honours this season.