Arsenal confirm brutal extent of Kai Havertz injury that could run into next season

Arsenal have confirmed Kai Havertz will undergo hamstring surgery and could even miss the start of next season as part of his recovery.

In a devastating blow for the Gunners, the Germany international suffered the injury during the club’s mid-season break in Dubai.

The 25-year-old will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season with the club now confirming the extent of the issue.

Havertz will go under the knife this week with the Gunners expecting his rehabilitation to extend into pre-season preparations for the new campaign this summer.

‘We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week,’ a statement said.

‘Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.

‘Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.’

Havertz has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, establishing himself as the focal point of Mikel Arteta’s attack.

With Gabriel Jesus also ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, the former Chelsea star was the Gunners’ only recognised option up top.

Arsenal did explore moves to add more firepower to their squad in Janaury, seeing their bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa.

The club also explored loan moves for Mathys Tel and Alvaro Morata but ultimately decided neither option would sufficiently strengthen their ranks, ending the month without a single addition.

Suggestions Havertz may still be recovering during pre-season will only heighten calls for the club to break the bank on a major addition up front this summer. Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are thought to be their top targets.

It serves as a significant blow to Arsenal’s attempts to keep chase with Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League with the Reds extending their lead to seven points after Wednesday’s draw at Everton.

Arteta will also be without his entire first-choice front three for the rest of the month at least with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined with hamstring problems.

Saka underwent surgery in December and was part of the group out in Dubai as he stepped up his recovery. Martinelli meanwhile limped off in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United with both players not expected to return until March.

It leaves Arteta with the options of Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.