Kai Havertz has been ruled out of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League encounter against Liverpool this weekend and will miss Germany’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches due to a knee injury.
The German international sustained the injury during his substitute appearance against Manchester United in the season’s opening match and subsequently missed Arsenal’s commanding 5-0 victory over Leeds. Medical staff are currently evaluating whether the 26-year-old forward will require surgical intervention or if conservative treatment will suffice.
This represents another setback for Havertz, who previously missed three months of last season with a hamstring injury. The timing is particularly unfortunate given his recent form and importance to the squad.
The injury situation has compounded manager Mikel Arteta’s selection headaches ahead of Sunday’s trip to Anfield. Bukayo Saka is also expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring issue, while captain Martin Ødegaard faces a fitness test on a shoulder problem ahead of the Liverpool clash.
In response to the mounting injury concerns, Arsenal have completed the £67.5 million signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the attacking midfielder potentially making his debut against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the club continues to monitor defensive reinforcements, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié identified as a primary target. However, any move for the Ecuadorian defender would require Arsenal to first offload several fringe players to comply with financial regulations.
Porto has emerged as a potential destination for defender Jakub Kiwior, tabling a loan offer with an obligation to purchase for approximately €25 million. Several other squad players could depart before the transfer window closes as the club seeks to balance its substantial summer spending.
