Arsenal are currently gunning for their first Premier League title in 22 years as they sit atop the league table with 56 points from 25 matches. However, they have reportedly been dealt a major blow by an injury to one of their star attackers.
Arsenal Attacker Likely To Miss Upcoming Derby Game
According to ESPN, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has picked up a second injury of the 2025-26 season after recently returning from a lengthy knee problem. He is said to have suffered a muscle injury ahead of the Gunners’ match at Brentford on Thursday, Feb. 12.
Havertz, who returned to action from his earlier injury a month ago, is reportedly considered a huge doubt for the Gunners’ north London derby clash later this month. He is highly likely to miss his team’s upcoming games against Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both scheduled before the clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Feb. 22.
So far this season, the Germany international has made just seven overall appearances for Arsenal. He has scored two goals, with none coming in the Premier League, and laid out as many assists in 253 minutes of first-team action for his side this campaign.
In Havertz’s absence, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is expected to continue to rely on new signing Viktor Gyokeres in the number nine role. He could also rotate Gyokeres with Gabriel Jesus to reduce the risk of injury to his available strikers.
Havertz, who is valued at $65 million by Transfermarkt, has featured in 94 total outings for the Emirates Stadium outfit since leaving Chelsea in 2023. The 26-year-old has contributed 31 goals and 15 assists for his current club, mainly operating as a striker.
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On the other hand, Gunners great Ian Wright has claimed he has been less than impressed with Gyokeres’ performances in his maiden campaign at the north London side.
“A maybe, a maybe. Fingers crossed for him, it’s a maybe right now. If we are judging him just on goals, you can probably say, ‘Yeah, he has met expectations’, but you judge him on everything he’s bringing to the team. He’s somebody who I think, as long as we can finish (top), next year he will come stronger,” he said on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast.
Since leaving Sporting CP in a potential $86 million deal last summer, Gyokeres has netted 13 goals and recorded two assists in 32 games in all competitions for his side.
