Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow with the news that forward Kai Havertz will remain unavailable until the new year. The German international suffered a setback last month during his rehabilitation from minor knee surgery.
Timeline of a Frustrating Injury
The problem first arose for the 26-year-old during Arsenal's Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17. The knee injury sustained in that match required surgical intervention just a week later.
His recovery was progressing until a cruel twist of fate in November. Daily Mail Sport understands Havertz was merely one week away from a potential return to the matchday squad when he picked up a fresh issue during his final training sessions. He has not returned to training since this latest complication.
Target Return Date and Squad Impact
The club is now targeting a return for Havertz by the middle of January. There is an outside chance he could be involved for the crucial league fixture against Liverpool on January 8, but a more probable comeback is in the FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth three days later.
This latest setback continues a difficult year for Havertz, who also tore his hamstring during a warm-weather training camp in February of last season.
Broader Arsenal Injury Context
While the Gunners have recently welcomed back key players like William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus, the treatment room remains busy. Alongside Havertz, the club currently lists Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, and Max Dowman as sidelined.
This prolonged absence of a key summer signing represents a clear frustration for manager Mikel Arteta as he navigates a packed festive schedule and the ongoing Premier League title race.
