Arsenal confirm devastating injury blow Mikel Arteta really didn't need

Arsenal have confirmed Kai Havertz has undergone a minor surgery after sustaining a knee injury in their season-opening win at Manchester United.

News of the German's issue first broke last week, leading to the Gunners hijacking Tottenham's move to sign Eberechi Eze. Despite the decision to bring in a 'replacement' or 'stand-in', the severity of Havertz's injury was unclear.

The gravity of the issue is now known following his surgery. However, it may not be as bad as the news of an operation initially appears, with optimism surrounding his recovery period.

Following a number of reports of his injury last week and the subsequent signing of Eze, Mikel Arteta said Havertz would need more tests to determine the extent of the issue.

David Ornstein reported the news of Havertz's surgery ahead of Arsenal's official confirmation on Thursday evening, and claimed there isn't expected to be a lengthy absence as the German recovers. He joins Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in the recovery room after the pair suffered knocks in Arsenal's win over Leeds.

While he isn't likely to be unavailable for a long period, the Gunners' number 29 underwent surgery following assessments and specialist reviews that deemed a procedure would be required. He is now set to begin a recovery and rehabilitation programme as he looks to return to full fitness as soon as possible.

This is the second major injury Havertz has suffered in less than a year. He was ruled out with a hamstring issue in February, causing him to miss all but the final two games of last season.

Havertz's absence means summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres is now Arsenal's sole striker option with Gabriel Jesus also recovering from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Swede's brace in the 5-0 win over Leeds last week showed he is more than capable of leading the line, but he will still need a backup. Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard have previously stepped into the position and could do so once again.

There is a possibility this injury could prompt the Gunners to re-enter the transfer market in the final days of the window. They are set for a busy few days as they look to secure a number of deals before the closure. Despite Eze already being brought in, their plans could be altered following this news.

Regardless of potential transfer business, this is a huge blow for Arsenal and Arteta and is something the Spaniard really didn't need. Havertz has proven to be a useful player since first joining from Chelsea in 2023 and being missing through another injury rules him out of playing a significant part in his side's hunt for silverware this season.

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