Kai Havertz: When Will Arsenal Forward Return to Boost Injury-Hit Squad?

The Germany international faces a brief spell out after knee surgery, with Arsenal hopeful of his return within weeks.

Arsenal striker Kai Havertz underwent surgery on a knee injury he picked up in the Gunners' Premier League win over Manchester United.

The 26-year-old was not needed as an unused substitute for that 2-1 success, but was left out of the 5-0 win over Leeds United when the problem recurred in training.

Manager Mikel Arteta initially played it safe, acknowledging before the Leeds game that "we need more time" to determine where the striker stands.

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But after closer inspection, slight surgery was deemed to be the optimal solution.

Fortunately for Arsenal, Havertz will only be missing for a few weeks, not months.

German international Havertz has already had a poor start to 2024, having just recuperated from a hamstring issue that sidelined him between February and May.

The new setback is not believed to be as severe, and Arsenal doctors remain hopeful that he will return to the pitch ahead of the international break in October.

A Piling Injury List at Arsenal

Havertz's absence added to an already troubling injury list at the Emirates.

Bukayo Saka is expected to miss between three to four weeks after suffering a hamstring strain against Leeds, and club captain Martin Odegaard's shoulder injury continues to be assessed.

Christian Norgaard and Ben White were both absent from the Leeds match, and Gabriel Jesus remains on the road back from ACL surgery in January but has stepped up training on grass.

The only striker currently fit of recognized strikers—scoring twice against Leeds—Arsenal pursued their £60 million offer for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, who started training with the team.

The England striker can play a part in disseminating some attacking load until Havertz and the rest of the team return.

Possible Timeline for Havertz's Return

Havertz will take approximately three to four weeks to rehab from his surgery, depending on how well he is able to recover from treatment.

If all goes well, he could be back by late September, potentially suiting up for Arsenal's games ahead of the next batch of World Cup qualifiers.

Germany national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann has already omitted Havertz from the September roster, and this gives the forward an open window to focus his rehabilitation solely at club level.

For Arteta, the expectation of Havertz, Saka, and Odegaard returning to his side by early October would be a massive shot in the arm with the Gunners balancing domestic and European campaigns.

Arsenal travel to Anfield this Sunday to face Liverpool in a battle of two sides with flawless starts to the campaign.