Kai Havertz will be absent from international duty after picking up a knee injury. Germany will be without the Arsenal forward for upcoming games against the Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 25-year old picked up the knock after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Southampton. Havertz scored to start the comeback after Arsenal went 1-0 down early in the second half.
The German Football Federation confirmed his absence in a statement: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems. National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz’s place. Get well soon, Kai! We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!”
Charles Watts reveals Kai Havertz injury is less serious than feared
Fabrizio Romano reported that Havertz will be assessed by Arsenal over the next few days. However, Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has revealed that his sources at the club say the injury is not severe.
“As far as I’m aware, there is nothing to be overly concerned about when it comes to Havertz’s fitness.” he wrote on his website.
“From conversations I’ve had, he was fine to play the whole game on Saturday and the next few days will just be about monitoring him and giving him time to rest due to the minutes he’s played so far this season.
“I don’t believe that there is anything more sinister than that going on.”
Watts added that Arsenal and Germany have agreed that the player needs to rest after playing a lot of football this season.
“Arsenal are just keen not to take any risks on a player who has played a huge amount of football over the past year and is seen as absolutely crucial over the coming weeks, especially with Martin Odegaard out.
“That sounds sensible enough to me and Germany clearly agree, given they haven’t asked that Havertz be released anyway so that the national team’s doctors can make their own assessment on him.”
Mikel Arteta concerned about upcoming schedule
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was concerned for the upcoming schedule after a few injuries to his players:
“It’s been a very demanding period after the international break, we had so many issues; a lot of injuries, very difficult fixtures, especially away from home and some of them playing with 10 men and the team adapts. The team is so willing. I’m very pleased with the way we’ve come through this period and we’re in a good place.”
After the international break, Arsenal will play seven games in three weeks, with four Premier League fixtures, an EFL Cup tie with Preston and two Champions League fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan.