Arsenal sweat on Kai Havertz hamstring scan after Germany setback
Arsenal are awaiting scan results after Kai Havertz was forced off after just 30 minutes of Germany's Nations League draw with the Netherlands. The forward suffered a hamstring issue following a high challenge from Quinten Timber, and Germany boss Jurgen Klopp admitted both players are "probably out" for the coming international fixture.
- Injury: Kai Havertz (hamstring) — off after 30 minutes
- Cause: high challenge from Quinten Timber
- Scans: both players to undergo scans tonight
- Next Germany game: vs Greece this weekend
- Arsenal's run: Leeds, Lille, Everton (H); Nottingham Forest, Bayern Munich, Fleetwood (A)
- Havertz's importance: started all five Premier League games, three goals in seven appearances
Injury and availability
Kai Havertz is the primary concern for Arsenal after he was withdrawn in the first half of Germany's Nations League clash with the Netherlands. The forward was caught by a high challenge from Quinten Timber and could not continue. Early signs point to a hamstring problem, though the club will wait for scan results before making any official assessment.
Jamal Musiala is also set for assessment after the same match, though from an Arsenal perspective the focus is squarely on Havertz. Germany manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that both players will undergo scans tonight and suggested they are unlikely to feature against Greece this weekend. "They're probably out for us, but I hope they'll be back soon (for their clubs)," Klopp said.
The timing is far from ideal for Mikel Arteta, who has relied heavily on Havertz at the start of the season. Arsenal face a demanding run of fixtures after the international break, and any absence would be awkward given the forward's role as the first-choice striker.
What was said
"Both will undergo scans tonight. They're probably out for us, but I hope they'll be back soon (for their clubs)."
Klopp's comments suggest Germany are already preparing for life without Havertz and Musiala for the weekend meeting with Greece. The phrase "probably out" indicates enough concern to take no risks, even before the scan results are known. For Arsenal, the wait is now the hardest part.
Havertz has become central to Arsenal's attack this season. He has started all five Premier League matches and scored three goals in seven appearances in all competitions. More than that, he provides a fixed point up front, movement between defenders and a reliable outlet when Arsenal go direct. That is why his potential absence is so significant.
The numbers
- 5 — Premier League starts for Havertz this season
- 7 — total appearances in all competitions
- 3 — goals scored in those seven games
- 30 — minutes played before withdrawal vs Netherlands
Why Havertz's absence would reshape Arsenal's attack
Kai Havertz is not just another option for Mikel Arteta; he is the tactical fulcrum. The German's ability to drop deep, link play and still occupy centre-backs allows Arsenal's wide forwards to attack the space he creates. Without him, Arteta loses that reference point and may have to alter the entire attacking structure.
Arsenal's depth across the front line looks decent on paper, but Havertz is the first-choice striker and the system has been built around him in these early weeks. The upcoming fixtures — Leeds, Lille and Everton at home, followed by trips to Nottingham Forest, Bayern Munich and Fleetwood — demand a striker who can press, hold the ball and finish chances. If Havertz is out, Arteta must find a solution from within a squad that suddenly looks thinner up top.
The scan results will determine whether Arsenal face a minor inconvenience or a major problem. Hamstring injuries can range from a few days to several weeks, and with a congested schedule, even a short absence could cost valuable points. The club's medical staff will be cautious, especially given Havertz's importance and the lack of a like-for-like replacement.
Talking points
- Should Arsenal have signed a back-up striker in the summer? Havertz's injury exposes a lack of proven cover up front, and fans will question the club's recruitment strategy.
- Is Jurgen Klopp's "probably out" comment a smokescreen? Germany may be protecting their players, but it suggests the injury is more than a knock.
- Can Arsenal cope without Havertz against Leeds and Everton? Those home games are must-wins, and dropping points could derail their early-season momentum.
- Does this make the trip to Bayern Munich even tougher? A hostile away game without your main striker is a daunting prospect.
What happens next
Havertz will undergo scans tonight, with results expected within 24-48 hours. Arsenal will then assess his availability for the Premier League clash with Leeds after the international break. If he is ruled out, Arteta must decide whether to use a false nine or promote a younger player. The stakes are high: Arsenal's title challenge depends on navigating this busy fixture list without dropping points, and Havertz's fitness is central to that ambition.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kai Havertz injured?
Yes, Havertz went off after 30 minutes during Germany's Nations League draw with the Netherlands with a suspected hamstring issue. He will undergo scans tonight.
Will Kai Havertz miss Arsenal's next game?
It is too early to say, but Germany boss Jurgen Klopp said Havertz is "probably out" for the weekend match against Greece, which suggests he is a doubt for Arsenal's return to action.
What is Kai Havertz's injury?
The initial signs point to a hamstring problem, but the exact diagnosis will only be known after scan results. He was caught by a high challenge from Quinten Timber.
Related Articles
Filed under: Injury News | LA Premier League Home