Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has openly admitted how much his team are missing the presence of Kai Havertz, who is currently sidelined with a serious injury. The Spanish tactician hopes that the German forward can recover sooner than expected and return to strengthen the Gunners in their Premier League campaign.
Havertz’s Crucial Role Last Season
During the previous season, Havertz played an essential role for Arsenal, often becoming a decisive figure in Arteta’s attacking system. Despite facing criticism early on after his move from Chelsea, Havertz gradually proved his worth with important contributions, whether through goals, assists, or intelligent off-the-ball movements.
Arteta consistently trusted him in crucial fixtures, describing the 25-year-old as a player who could change the tempo of a game and provide Arsenal with a different dimension in attack. His versatility—being able to play as a striker, attacking midfielder, or even in a deeper role—made him one of the most valuable assets in Arteta’s squad.
The Blow of Havertz’s Injury
Unfortunately, Arsenal were dealt a significant blow when medical staff confirmed that Havertz had suffered a serious injury that would keep him out for a considerable period. While the club has not disclosed the full details of the injury, early reports suggest that the German international could be sidelined for several months.
Arteta admitted that losing Havertz has weakened Arsenal’s attacking force. “It is a massive loss for us,” he said. “Kai gives us something unique in attack, and without him, we lose a certain level of energy and unpredictability.”
Arteta’s Hope for a Quick Recovery
In his recent press conference, Arteta expressed his deep longing for Havertz’s return. He praised the player’s influence on the squad, emphasizing how often Havertz became the difference-maker when Arsenal faced tough opponents or challenging situations.
“We really miss Kai in this team. Hopefully, he can come back as quickly as possible. He is the type of player who always delivers when it matters most,” Arteta told reporters.
“A Special Case” in Recovery
Although Arteta acknowledged that Havertz’s injury was serious and recovery could take months, he also highlighted the midfielder’s reputation for bouncing back faster than expected. The Arsenal boss even described Havertz as an “anomaly” when it comes to physical resilience and recovery speed.
“Regarding Kai’s situation, we know he will be out for months. But with him, you can never say never. He is a special case—almost a different species—when it comes to recovering from injuries. That gives us hope he can return earlier than predicted,” Arteta added.
Arsenal’s Next Challenge Without Havertz
Despite the setback, Arsenal must continue their campaign without one of their key men. The Gunners are preparing for a high-profile Premier League clash this weekend as they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United, one of the most dangerous dark horses in English football right now.
Arteta will need to reshuffle his squad and rely on other attacking options such as Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Bukayo Saka to fill the void left by Havertz. Arsenal fans, however, remain hopeful that their German playmaker will return stronger and play a crucial role in their push for domestic and European success.
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