Kai Havertz will undergo surgery on his knee problem and a long absence is not expected if he recovers.
The procedure is not important and comes after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on August 22 that Havertz needed “more tests” to determine the time frame on his return.
The athletics reported on August 20 that Havertz was set for a spell on the sidelines with the injury.
“He is mentally in a good space,” Arteta added. “He is really a strong boy, very dedicated. He had an incredible recovery from the hamstring operation (last season).
“He has never had an injury, so it was really his first experience. Now he has a setback. Let's see how bad it is, but I am sure he will respond in the best possible way.”
Havertz was out for a few months last season after he had sustained a hamstring injury during a training camp with warm weather in Dubai in February, which only returned for the last two games of the campaign. He was previously shown in 37 of 38 league games during his first season in Arsenal after his move from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
The absence leaves the summer that Viktor Gyokeres signs as the only recognized No. 9 that are available for Mikel Arteta, with Gabriel Jesus with a front cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that he sustained in January. Midfielder Mikel Merino and winger Leandro Trossard filled in the front in the second half of last season with Havertz and Jesus.
Arsenal actively explored the transfer market to strengthen their attack, after the injury of Havertz. They have completed Ebereechi Eze from Crystal Palace for an initial £ 60 million ($ 81.2 million) with a potential £ 7.5 million in add-ons.