Arsenal forward leaves international duty after injury concern
Kai Havertz is set to return to Arsenal for further assessment after withdrawing from the Germany squad with an injury suffered against the Netherlands.
The 27-year-old lasted only half an hour of Thursday night’s 1-1 Nations League draw in Amsterdam before being replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib.
Havertz had earlier been caught by a high challenge from Netherlands midfielder Quinten Timber, the twin brother of his Arsenal team-mate Jurrien Timber.
He initially attempted to continue but subsequently appeared to feel discomfort in the back of his right thigh and signalled that he could not carry on.
The Arsenal forward will now leave Germany’s camp and return to his club, where further assessment will determine the extent of the suspected hamstring problem, according to The Athletic.
There is some optimism that the injury is not serious, although Arsenal will await the results of his medical examinations before establishing a potential return date.
Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp confirmed after the game that Havertz had been sent for an MRI scan alongside Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, who suffered a thigh problem during the warm-up.
“Both are currently undergoing an MRI,” Klopp told RTL. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”
Klopp expects both players to miss Germany’s next Nations League fixture against Greece and expressed hope that they will become available for their clubs again relatively quickly.
Havertz’s early return will consequently allow Arsenal’s medical staff to take control of his rehabilitation during the remainder of the international break.
The setback comes after the Germany international established himself as a regular in Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s attack during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Havertz has started all five of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season, scoring twice, and has continued to provide Arteta with an option both as a centre-forward and in midfield.
His fitness will now be closely monitored ahead of Arsenal’s return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on October 10.
The extended international break at least gives Havertz more than two weeks to recover without immediately missing another Arsenal fixture.
Arsenal already have several fitness concerns, with Declan Rice withdrawing from England duty and Cristhian Mosquera continuing his recovery from a thigh injury.
William Saliba has also been sidelined with a back problem, increasing the importance of avoiding another lengthy absence.
Havertz’s return to London therefore represents the beginning of an anxious wait for Arsenal, although the initial optimism surrounding the injury provides some encouragement.
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