Kai Havertz's injury underlines the risk Arsenal can't ignore with his contract

On Thursday 24th September, in a Nations League game against the Netherlands at the Johan Cruijff Arena, Havertz sustained an issue with his hamstring; this led to him coming straight off the pitch. Jurgen Klopp confirmed to the radio network RFL that he will undergo an MRI scan.

David Ornstein (The Athletic) confirmed on 25th September that he will return to Arsenal “with optimism that the suspected hamstring injury is not serious.”

Following the Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice agreements, Havertz's name is being thrown around as a potential next step in the contract agenda. Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard should also be in consideration for Arsenal to extend, whether due to injuries, high salaries, or emerging replacements elsewhere in the squad.

There is no direct replacement for Havertz in the squad.
Gyokeres has been out of form with reduced minutes, Arteta has used Merino more in midfield, and no academy option has been trialled in the centre-forward role. It's a genuine dilemma at the position.

Arsenal can't ignore Kai Havertz's injury record in contract talks

His injury record complicates this further. In Arsenal's title-winning season, Havertz missed 172 days through injury and rest. The season before, a hamstring injury cost him 95 days and 20 games for club and country combined.

We are all unsure how long this latest setback will keep him out. But with his contract nearing expiration, another injury landing at a similar point in the season to last year's would come at an awkward time, especially with Arsenal's firing power already under scrutiny.

Havertz's profile is clearly the one Arteta prefers. But his ability to stay available for a full season is fair to question, particularly with Gyokeres' Arsenal future looking uncertain and the club chasing back-to-back titles. At an alleged wage of £280k a week, an extension would mean a significant rise in cost for a player who has missed close to half a season's football twice in two years.

Arsenal haven't signed a striker in January since Aubameyang in 2018, but this could be the chance to enter the market in the new year. Havertz’s importance to the system is significant and undeniable, but it's important for Arsenal to avoid keeping a player potentially past his physical peak. If a new deal is on the table, it is imperative that reinforcements are made for an addition at centre-forward, so Arsenal aren't left exposed the next time his body breaks down.

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