Arsenal suffer CRUSHING Havertz blow

Cameron Smith

Updated: 6 Oct 2024 14:32 BST
3 min read

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has been ruled out of Germany’s upcoming fixtures against Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to a knee injury.

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Havertz scored during the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, but the German Football Federation have confirmed that he picked up a knee problem in the game.

They posted a statement that read: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems.

“National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz's place. Get well soon, Kai! We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!”

Germany will travel to face Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday 11 October, before hosting the Netherlands on Monday 14 October at the Allianz Arena.

Hammer blow for Arsenal

News of Havertz’s injury will be a huge concern for Mikel Arteta and his backroom staff at Arsenal.

The Germany international has six goals in 10 games so far this season, with all six of those goals coming at the Emirates Stadium, and he has firmly established himself as Arsenal’s best centre-forward.

However, the October international break will give Havertz two weeks to recover and the Gunners will be hoping he will return to fitness in time to face Bournemouth on Saturday 19 October.

After Arsenal’s win over Southampton, Arteta was quick to praise Havertz for his recent run of form. “You can tell [he is full of confidence], he takes the ball and runs with the ball,” Arteta said.

“On high press he goes full gas. The way he holds the ball, the positions he takes in the box. He is an attacking midfielder, he plays as a No9, you don’t know where he is. That’s his football brain.

“His focus now is: ‘I’m going to win the game. I’m going to do it’. That’s a different thing,” Arteta added.

“He is practising, and he wants more. He is not satisfied with what he is doing, because there is still, I think, another level from him. Obviously he is surrounded by incredible players, but something has changed in him.

“That confidence, you really sense it. Now he is winning games and football matches, which is great.”