Things keep getting worse for Arsenal as Havertz is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal’s title ambitions have taken a major hit following Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury, which could sideline him for the remainder of the season.
The German forward sustained the injury during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai, leaving Mikel Arteta with a severe shortage of attacking options.
With Gabriel Jesus already ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury, and both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli recovering from hamstring issues, the Gunners now face a crucial stretch without a recognized centre-forward.
Mounting Injury Woes
Havertz’s setback comes at the worst possible time for Arsenal, who are chasing Premier League leaders Liverpool. The injury crisis extends beyond just the frontline:
- Kai Havertz (Hamstring – Out for the season)
- Gabriel Jesus (ACL – Out for the season)
- Bukayo Saka (Hamstring – Possible return in March)
- Gabriel Martinelli (Hamstring – Out for over a month)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee – Considering second surgery)
- Ben White (Knee – Close to return)
Where Does Arteta Turn Now?
Arsenal are down to just three forwards with Kai Havertz potentially missing the rest of the season…🤕 pic.twitter.com/Rf5TWyaed7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 12, 2025
With no proven strikers available, Arteta may be forced into tactical adjustments. Options include:
- Leandro Trossard as a False Nine – The Belgian has played this role before and was effective in Arsenal’s Champions League win over Girona.
- Ethan Nwaneri – The 17-year-old is highly rated, but stepping into a key attacking role at this stage may be a big ask.
- Raheem Sterling – The on-loan Chelsea winger has played centrally before and could be used as an emergency striker.
Missed Transfer Window Opportunity?
Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker in the January transfer window is now under intense scrutiny.
A last-minute bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was rejected, and the Gunners now face the consequences of their inaction.
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith summed up the situation:
Even if Jesus, Saka, and Martinelli were fit, Arsenal needed another striker. Now, it looks almost impossible for them to keep up with Liverpool. It’s a nightmare for Arteta.
Tough Fixtures Ahead
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for Arsenal, with crucial fixtures looming:
- Leicester (A) – Must-win to keep title hopes alive.
- West Ham (H) – Another tricky London derby.
- Nottingham Forest (A), Man United (H), Chelsea (H) – Season-defining matches.
With key players missing, Arsenal’s ability to challenge for the title is in serious doubt.
Can Arteta find solutions within his squad, or will this injury crisis derail their season completely? The coming weeks will provide the answer.