Huge blow for Arsenal as Kai Havertz is ruled out of the season

Arsenal confirmed on Thursday that forward Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, a huge blow to their Premier League title hopes.

The 25-year-old German forward was injured during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Arsenal released a statement explaining the injury:

“We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week,” the club said.

“Further assessments have shown that the injury will need surgery, which will happen in the next few days. After the surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation, which will likely continue into pre-season preparations for next season.”

Arsenal, who finished as Premier League runners-up in the past two seasons, are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool with 14 games left to play.

Manager Mikel Arteta now faces a big challenge after the club did not strengthen their attacking options in the recent transfer window. They failed in their attempt to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa last month.

Havertz had been expected to lead Arsenal’s attack for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is also out for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month.

Bukayo Saka, who has been missing since December, is expected to return next month after travelling to the Middle East with his teammates. Gabriel Martinelli is also facing time on the sidelines after being injured in Arsenal’s League Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle last week.

This leaves Arsenal with just Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri as their recognised forward players.