Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a fresh injury headache as midfielder Kai Havertz was forced to withdraw from the German national squad ahead of their high-profile friendly against England at Wembley.
The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating the 24-year-old was unable to train due to an unspecified physical complaint. His departure from the camp is a significant blow for both country and club.
Havertz's withdrawal means he will play no part in Germany's final two international fixtures against France and the high-stakes clash with the Three Lions in London. The DFB announced that no replacement will be called up for the former Chelsea star.
This development casts a shadow over his availability for Arsenal's crucial Premier League title run-in. The Gunners are set to face Manchester City in a monumental fixture at the Etihad Stadium on March 31st, immediately following the international break.
In a contrasting tale of fitness, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze has received a massive boost. The creative midfielder has been passed fit and has joined up with Gareth Southgate's England squad after recovering from his own recent injury concerns.
All eyes will now be on Arsenal's London Colney training ground to assess the severity of Havertz's issue, with the club's hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy potentially hanging in the balance.
