Arsenal Star Struck Down by Fresh Muscle Injury, Sidelined for Entire Month

Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for the remainder of February after the German midfielder reportedly sustained a fresh "muscular injury."

Havertz had only recently returned from a knee problem that kept him out for the opening half of the 2025–26 season. He also missed significant portions of last season's second half due to a hamstring tear. Following his return on January 12, the German has featured in six matches and netted three goals.

The timing of Havertz's comeback had helped ease concerns over losing Mikel Merino for the majority, if not entirety, of the remaining season. Nevertheless, The Athletic indicates that the ex-Chelsea star will now be unavailable until after Arsenal's forthcoming north London derby on February 22.

The showdown with Tottenham Hotspur won't be his only absence, as the Gunners are scheduled to face Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers in Premier League action beforehand, plus an FA Cup fourth-round encounter against Wigan Athletic in between.

Arsenal are slated to meet Chelsea on March 1st, with current expectations suggesting Havertz might be ready for selection. This recent setback is not considered as severe as his previous lengthy absences.

Havertz remained fit throughout 2023–24 following his £65 million ($88.6 million) transfer, but by month's end will have been absent for more than half (53) of Arsenal's 101 fixtures since last season began.

Arsenal Games Kai Havertz Is Set to Miss

Arsenal Games Kai Havertz Is Set to Miss

Arsenal Under Pressure Against Brentford

Arsenal Under Pressure Against Brentford

Manchester City's victory over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday narrowed the gap at the Premier League summit to three points. Arsenal can extend that lead back to six points when their game in hand takes place on Thursday, but they must overcome Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Havertz, Merino and teenage talent Max Dowman are confirmed absentees, while the choice to send Ethan Nwaneri on loan to Olympique Marseille last month appears unwise in retrospect, considering the 18-year-old would have been the ideal candidate to fill the squad gaps.

However, there are also immediate concerns ahead of the Brentford fixture regarding Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard, which could significantly restrict the team's attacking creativity. The trio are anticipated to undergo final fitness evaluations.