Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Kai Havertz facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee problem, leaving the club scrambling to reinforce their attacking options.
The German forward was only introduced from the bench during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United on the opening weekend, replacing new £73m striker Viktor Gyokeres.
However, The Athletic reports that Havertz has since sustained a knee injury that could keep him out for several weeks, further depleting Mikel Arteta’s attacking ranks.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
It is the latest setback for the former Chelsea star, who missed nearly half of last season due to hamstring issues.
Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Kai Havertz facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee problem, leaving the club scrambling to reinforce their attacking options
|REUTERS
After working his way back to full fitness over the summer, the 25-year-old now finds himself facing another unwanted spell in the treatment room.
The timing could hardly be worse for Arsenal, with Gabriel Jesus already unavailable.
The Brazilian forward has not featured since suffering an ACL injury at the start of the year and is still working his way through a lengthy rehabilitation process.
With both senior strikers now absent, Arteta and sporting director Edu are expected to explore the transfer market for short-term cover.
JUST IN: Alan Shearer hits out at 'stupid question' from fan as Alexander Isak pushes to join Liverpool
Reports suggest the club are prioritising an attacker capable of playing centrally to ensure they do not fall into the same trap as last season, when persistent injuries forced Arteta to improvise.
During the second half of the 2024–25 campaign, Arsenal frequently relied on makeshift solutions in the final third.
Midfield recruit Mikel Merino even enjoyed an impressive stint as an emergency striker, while versatile Belgian Leandro Trossard was also pushed into a centre-forward role on multiple occasions.
Although both performed admirably, neither is viewed as a long-term solution in that position.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is on the hunt for transfer reinforcements following Kai Havertz's injury
|REUTERS
Arsenal’s summer business had been designed to avoid precisely this scenario.
The capture of Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon was supposed to finally provide Arteta with a consistent focal point in attack, allowing Havertz to rotate or play deeper when needed.
Yet with Jesus still recovering and Havertz now injured, the Gunners’ striking depth is once again looking fragile just one game into the new Premier League campaign.
The club face a busy run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including early Champions League group stage matches, making the need for reinforcements even more pressing.
While Gyokeres is expected to lead the line, Arsenal know they cannot risk overburdening their new signing so soon into his Premier League career.
Arteta has yet to comment publicly on Havertz’s setback, but behind the scenes Arsenal have started looking at short-term replacements.
Their next clash will be against Leeds on Saturday night (5.30pm).
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Emma Raducanu involved in awkward moment with Jack Draper after early exit from US Open mixed doubles
- Imane Khelif, 26, shows off makeover with boxing star yet to fight since Paris Olympics gender controversy
- Cristiano Ronaldo called 'arrogant' by former rival after he 'asked player about his salary' during match
Arsenal are set to become reliant on Viktor Gyokeres following Kai Havertz's injury blow ahead of Saturday night's Premier League showdown with Leeds
|REUTERS
Daniel Farke's newly-promoted side beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday, with Lukas Nmecha scoring a penalty in the 84th minute.
They also have a crunch fixture with Liverpool looming, too.
That showdown at Anfield will take place on August 31 (4.30pm).