Arsenal have been dealt a new injury setback, with Kai Havertz poised for a stint out of action due to a muscular issue. The German forward is set to be absent for the North London Derby against Tottenham, as well as fixtures against Brentford, Wolves, and Wigan, according to The Athletic.
This presents another worry for Havertz, who was sidelined for most of the first half of the season due to a knee injury picked up against Manchester United, which required a procedure. His eventual comeback had bolstered Mikel Arteta's attacking options, but this looks set to be disrupted once more.
Havertz has featured in just three league games this season, starting in the last two clashes against Leeds United and Sunderland. In the latter, he provided an assist from a deeper midfield position, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to operate freely up front as he scored twice.
Arteta explained the choice to deploy Havertz in midfield, saying: 'I suppose with the kind of game that we expected as well and the way they play and the type of threat that we wanted to create as well with him and Gabby in and around the three central defenders.'
Havertz joins an injury roster that includes Mikel Merino, who has a broken foot after surgery, and Max Dowman, who is recovering from an ankle injury. There are also question marks over Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Leandro Trossard following minor injury concerns in recent weeks.
The setback comes as Arsenal look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City's recent wins have reduced the gap to three points, making the upcoming fixtures crucial in the title race.
