Arsenal's Havertz out for Germany due to knee injury

Kai Havertz has sustained an injury to his knee and, as a result, will be unavailable for Germany's upcoming fixtures against Bosnia and the Netherlands during the international break. The official announcement came from the national team on Sunday.

“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!" reads the statement relesead by Germany on their X account. 

While the extent of Havertz's issue is currently unknown, the news still comes as a major blow for the Gunners, who already have Odegaard, Timber, White and Zinchenko on the sidelines due to fitness problems. The former Chelsea star has been in red-hot form for Arsenal with four Premier League goals to his name already this season - the latest coming in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton.

The injury comes after Arteta had praised the 25-year-old for his stand-out performances in recent matches. “You can tell [his confidence has grown], he takes the ball and he runs with the ball,” the head coach said post-match on Saturday. “He’s on high press, he goes full gas, the way he holds the ball, the position he takes in the box. He’s an attacking midfielder, he plays as a nine, 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’ and that’s a different thing".

 

October 6, 2024