Arsenal are waiting to discover the extent of Kai Havertz's latest injury after the forward was forced off during Germany's 1-1 Nations League draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Havertz lasted only 30 minutes of Jürgen Klopp's first match in charge before being replaced, giving Mikel Arteta an unwanted injury concern at the start of the international break.
The 27-year-old is returning to Arsenal to be assessed by the club's medical staff, with the problem currently understood to be a muscle strain. No recovery timetable has been confirmed, meaning it is too early to say whether Havertz will be available when Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds on October 10.
What happened to Kai Havertz against the Netherlands?
Havertz started in attack for Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena but required treatment during the first half after a challenge involving Netherlands midfielder Quinten Timber, the brother of his Arsenal team-mate Jurriën Timber. He attempted to continue but was eventually withdrawn after half an hour and replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib.
Germany manager Jürgen Klopp confirmed after the match that Havertz had suffered a muscular problem and would undergo further assessment. Arsenal will now take over his treatment, with scans expected to establish the nature and severity of the injury.
The timing is particularly frustrating for Havertz because he had been selected to lead the line in the opening match of Klopp's Germany reign. Germany went ahead through Felix Nmecha shortly after Havertz left the pitch but were denied victory when Cody Gakpo equalised in stoppage time.
How long could Havertz be out?
There is currently no confirmed return date for Havertz, and any specific estimate would be premature until Arsenal have completed their assessment. A minor muscle strain can sometimes require only a short period of recovery, while a more significant problem can keep a player out for several weeks.
The international break gives Arsenal some breathing room. Their next Premier League fixture is not until October 10, when Leeds visit the Emirates Stadium, leaving Havertz roughly two weeks to recover if the injury proves relatively minor.
For now, that match is the obvious target supporters will be watching. Whether Havertz has a realistic chance of facing Leeds should become clearer once Arsenal receive the results of his assessment. Germany will also need to decide whether he has any possibility of returning during the current international window or should remain with his club for treatment.
What does the injury mean for Arsenal?
Havertz has become an important part of Arteta's attacking options because of his ability to play both as a centre-forward and in midfield. Losing him for an extended period would reduce Arsenal's flexibility at a stage of the season when Premier League and European fixtures begin to arrive in quick succession.
There is no reason yet to assume that will happen. The immediate concern is establishing exactly what Havertz has injured rather than predicting a lengthy absence before the scan results are known. Arsenal have not announced a diagnosis, and reports on Friday have described the problem only as a suspected muscle strain.
That makes this a situation likely to develop quickly. The first significant update should come after Havertz has been examined by Arsenal's medical team, at which point the club should have a much better idea of whether he is dealing with a short-term problem or an injury that could affect several matches.
Until then, Havertz remains a doubt rather than a confirmed long-term absentee. For Arsenal, the most important question is straightforward: whether the international break will provide enough time for him to recover before Leeds arrive at the Emirates on October 10.
Published by Patrick Jane
25.09.2026