Arsenal’s patience in getting a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over the line looked like an important piece in the jigsaw as they attempt to win the Premier League title this season.
With the news that Kai Havertz has suffered an injury, that Gyokeres signing now looks vital.
It was reported on August 20 that Havertz, who appeared as a second-half substitute in the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Manchester United in their opening game of the season, had suffered a knee issue. Given Mikel Arteta was forced to deploy Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker in 2024/25 when Havertz was sidelined with a hamstring tear, any further longer-term setback for the German is not exactly ideal even with Gyokeres now in north London.
The Sporting News looks at when Havertz might be ready to return, and whether Arsenal will consider a late bit of transfer-market spending to offset his absence.
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When is Kai Havertz back?
It is not yet clear how long Havertz will be sidelined due to his knee injury.
The Athletic reported that he would have tests on the problem after missing a training session on the morning of Wednesday, August 20. The Germany international played around 30 minutes of Arsenal’s win at Old Trafford on the opening matchday, replacing Gyokeres as a second-half substitute.
Speaking ahead of his side’s game with Fulham, Arteta said of Havertz’s injury: “We don’t really know the extent of it. We need a bit more time and some more tests and after that we will have some more clarity.
“I prefer not to talk about the specifics, but he is not fit. We need to explore this situation a bit further and decide what we are going to do.
“I don’t know [how long he will be out for]. I would love to have him available for tomorrow.”
Last season, Havertz missed 18 matches across Premier League and Champions League play due to a hamstring injury sustained at a training camp in Dubai in February 2025.
Will Arsenal sign a replacement for Havertz?
It was suggested that Arsenal could explore their options in the transfer market depending on the severity of Havertz’s injury. They certainly didn’t waste any time.
Later on August 20, the Gunners gazumped Tottenham’s deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The England international had looked set to sign for Spurs only for Arsenal to make a late bid, which Palace accepted.
There was initially a suggestion that Arsenal may consider loan options or low-cost short-term deals to replace Havertz, so the move to snatch Eze from under Spurs’ noses is significant. It also indicates some concern around Havertz’s injury and a determination not to be caught in the same situation as last season, when injuries in attack disrupted their trophy challenges.
Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino were used as unorthodox strikers after Havertz’s hamstring injury in February, but neither is a suitable long-term solution. Raheem Sterling, another who can play as a centre-forward even if it’s not his best role, returned to Chelsea after his ineffective loan spell, so there was a need to reinforce options at No. 9. Gyokeres was signed as first-choice striker, and Eze’s arrival could allow Gabriel Martinelli to be used in the centre in an emergency. With Trossard still there and Havertz an option when he returns, Arteta’s attack is now much less likely to be affected by injuries this term.
Arteta may have been inclined to be cautious about sanctioning a big-money deal for another forward simply as cover for an injury, but at the same time, the Arsenal manager has always insisted the club will be alert in the market in case a suitable opportunity arises. Eze fits that description.
How much did Arsenal pay for Havertz?
Arsenal signed Havertz from Chelsea in June 2023 for a reported fee of £65 million ($81.9m).
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