Arsenal's striker Kai Havertz set to miss the entire season with a devastating injury

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz may not be featuring in Arsenal's squad for an entire season after sustaining a torn hamstring during the team's training camp in Dubai. According to a report from The Athletic, Havertz is undergoing further assessments to evaluate the extent of the injury. While it remains uncertain if he will need surgical intervention, his main objective is to focus on rehabilitation and being ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.

Havertz's absence to add to Arsenal's concerns 

Havertz’s expected absence compounds Arsenal’s problems in their forward line. Bukayo Saka, who travelled with the squad to Dubai, will be sidelined until March following hamstring surgery in December. Gabriel Martinelli, injured against Newcastle United on February 5, is not expected to return for at least a month due to his hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus is also in his recovery period after sustaining an ACL injury in his left knee last month.

Kai Havertz has been in red-hot form for Arsenal this season, contributing 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. 

As the winter transfer window approached, Arsenal recognized the need for additional attacking options. Although they pursued a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, they ultimately decided not to make any signings during the window. Instead, the club chose to concentrate on their long-term targets for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Arsenal has been plagued by injuries this season due to injuries affecting various players across the pitch. Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Merino, and Martin Ødegaard have all spent time on the sidelines.

With Havertz’s recent injury, manager Mikel Arteta is left with only three senior forwards - Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling to choose from for his attacking lineup. Earlier in the season, Arteta adapted his team's formation to cope with the injury crisis, but now he should be able to return to his preferred 4-3-3 formation.