David Ornstein: Arsenal forward sidelined with fresh injury concern | OneFootball

Kai Havertz Injury Blow Leaves Arsenal Short in Attack

Arsenal have been dealt another setback with Kai Havertz set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, “assessments are at an early stage so the prognosis and duration of any lay-off is unclear.” It is a development that reshapes Mikel Arteta’s attacking options just as the season begins to gather momentum.

Limited Striker Options for Arteta

Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s headline summer signing, now carries the burden as the club’s only recognised fit striker. Havertz’s absence leaves Arteta short of depth, with Leandro Trossard offering a versatile alternative and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined with the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January.

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Arteta’s dilemma is that Havertz had started to provide a flexible solution between midfield and attack. Against Manchester United last weekend, he replaced Gyökeres after an hour in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford. Ornstein highlights how Arsenal are “actively exploring the transfer market to potentially reinforce their attack and cover the absence of Havertz.”

Havertz’s Unfortunate Run with Injuries

This is not the first time Arsenal have had to cope without the German international in 2025. Earlier this year, a hamstring tear in Dubai ruled him out of 18 matches across both domestic and European competitions. Mikel Merino, more accustomed to midfield duties, was even forced to step in as a makeshift No 9 during that period.

Now at 26, Havertz has already amassed 88 appearances for Arsenal since his move from Chelsea in 2023, scoring 29 goals. His presence has been more than statistical, offering Arteta a tactical outlet who can drift between lines and unsettle defences.

Urgency in the Transfer Market

The question for Arsenal’s hierarchy is whether they can afford to wait for Havertz’s recovery. The schedule is unrelenting, and Saturday’s clash with Leeds United arrives too soon for a solution to emerge internally. The pressure may force a late move before the transfer window closes, with supporters eager to see reinforcements arrive.

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From the perspective of Arsenal fans, Havertz’s injury feels like a familiar frustration. His versatility has made him a cornerstone of Arteta’s system, whether operating as a second striker, drifting into midfield, or occupying defenders with intelligent movement. To lose him so early in the campaign risks halting Arsenal’s rhythm just as confidence was building after the victory at Old Trafford.

There is also a growing unease about the club’s striker depth. Gyökeres is an exciting addition, but he has not yet fully settled into Arsenal’s transitional style. Trossard has proved useful in patches, but he is not a long-term answer in central areas. Gabriel Jesus remains a miss, and his uncertain recovery timeline creates further anxiety.

Fans will point to recruitment strategy. Many argued that Arsenal required two forwards, not one, given the demanding nature of the Premier League and Champions League. Havertz’s setback only sharpens that argument. Supporters are already debating potential short-term solutions, whether a late-window loan or trusting Merino again as a false nine.

Optimism remains, because Arsenal have shown resilience under Arteta. But for fans, the injury to Havertz underlines the fragility of relying on a small core of attacking players. Reinforcements feel not just desirable but essential if the club are serious about sustaining a title challenge.