By Irom Daniel
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow after midfielder Karl Havertz picked up another injury during Wednesday’s training session, raising fresh concerns about his fitness as the new Premier League campaign just got started less than a week ago.
The 26-year-old German international was forced to cut short his session after appearing to clutch his thigh during a routine drill.
Club doctors immediately attended to him, and while an official update from Arsenal’s medical department is still pending, early indications suggest he could be sidelined for several weeks.
This comes as a huge setback for Mikel Arteta, who had earmarked Havertz for a key creative role in midfield this season.
Arsenal are preparing for a demanding run of fixtures in the Premier League and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Since moving from Chelsea to Arsenal in 2023, Havertz’s time at the Emirates has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also persistent fitness concerns.
He missed several weeks last season with ankle and muscle issues, which disrupted his rhythm and made it difficult to cement a consistent place in Arteta’s starting XI.
For Germany, too, his stop-start form has been a frustration. While he remains a trusted figure for the national team setup, his recurring setbacks have limited his availability during key international windows.
Havertz’s absence leaves Arteta with a selection headache in midfield. The Gunners may now lean more heavily on Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Emile Smith Rowe, while Ethan Nwaneri could be used in similar position.
Fans have already expressed their disappointment on social media, with many voicing concerns that Havertz’s injury record could affect Arsenal’s long-term plans. Some have urged the club to dip back into the transfer market before the window closes.
Havertz rose to prominence at Bayer Leverkusen, earning a big-money move to Chelsea in 2020. He etched his name in history by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City. However, inconsistency and injury issues followed him to the Premier League.
His move to Arsenal was meant to reignite his career, but the recurring injuries have so far prevented him from reaching his peak potential.
Arsenal are expected to release a formal statement in the coming days, with Arteta likely to address Havertz’s status in his pre-match press conference.
Supporters will be hoping the setback is short-term, as the German’s versatility and experience remain crucial for the Gunners’ ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
