Arsenal’s title aspirations have been dealt a devastating setback with the confirmation that star forward Kai Havertz is set to miss the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring. The 25-year-old German international sustained the injury during the Gunners’ mid-season training camp in Dubai, leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad in a deepening crisis as they battle for silverware on multiple fronts.
Havertz’s absence is a massive blow to Arsenal’s attacking options, as the versatile forward has been one of the team’s most consistent performers this season. Having featured in 34 matches across all competitions, Havertz contributed 15 goals and five assists, proving pivotal in Arsenal’s push for both the Premier League title and Champions League success. With a grueling fixture list ahead, Arteta now faces the daunting challenge of navigating a crucial period with limited firepower.
The severity of Havertz’s injury is still being assessed, and while it remains unclear whether surgery will be required, his immediate focus will be on rehabilitation with hopes of returning fully fit for the 2025-26 season. However, his extended absence only adds to Arsenal’s growing injury concerns, particularly in attack. Star winger Bukayo Saka, who also traveled to Dubai, is not expected to return until March following hamstring surgery in December. Gabriel Martinelli is facing another month on the sidelines after suffering a similar injury against Newcastle United on February 5. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, another key forward, is out indefinitely with a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained last month.
Arsenal had been actively seeking attacking reinforcements during the winter transfer window but ultimately failed to land any key targets. A late bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins did not materialize, leaving Arteta with a squad dangerously thin in forward options. As it stands, Arsenal’s only senior attacking choices include Leandro Trossard, 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling, who was signed last summer to bolster depth but has yet to find consistent form.
With his preferred attacking lineup decimated by injuries, Arteta may be forced into tactical adjustments. The Arsenal boss has previously experimented with a 4-4-2 system to compensate for absences but has predominantly favored a 4-3-3 setup this season. In Havertz’s absence, Trossard is likely to take up a central role, flanked by Nwaneri on the right and Sterling on the left. While Trossard has experience playing as a false nine, the Belgian’s best performances have often come alongside a traditional striker rather than leading the line alone.
Arsenal’s struggles with injuries extend beyond the forward line, as key players across the pitch have endured fitness issues throughout the season. Defenders Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Riccardo Calafiori have all missed crucial matches at various points, while midfield leader Martin Ødegaard and new signing Mikel Merino have also been sidelined for periods. This has forced Arteta to rotate heavily, disrupting the team’s rhythm at a critical juncture in the season.
The timing of Havertz’s injury could not be worse for Arsenal, who are currently second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool. With upcoming matches against Leicester City, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest, Arteta will need to rely on his remaining squad depth to keep Arsenal’s title challenge alive. In addition to their domestic ambitions, the Gunners are also eyeing a deep run in the Champions League, making squad rotation crucial in the weeks ahead.
As Arsenal approach a defining phase of the season, the lack of attacking depth could prove costly. Should Arteta decide to look toward the club’s academy, emerging talents like Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ismeal Kabia may be given opportunities to step up. Butler-Oyedeji, 21, recently made his senior debut, while 19-year-old Kabia has already featured in cup competitions.
With seven games to play before the March international break—including multiple midweek fixtures—Arsenal will need every available player to perform at their peak. Rotation will be unavoidable, but the bigger concern will be maintaining consistency in performance and results. Arsenal’s injury crisis has already forced Arteta to make tough tactical decisions, and with Havertz now ruled out, the road ahead has become even steeper.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that Arteta can find solutions amid the adversity, but the reality is clear—the Gunners’ squad is at its most vulnerable stage of the season. Whether Arsenal can sustain their title challenge despite the setbacks remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the margin for error has never been slimmer.
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