Will Kai Havertz play against Leeds? Latest injury update & return date

Kai Havertz was involved in international duty with Germany, but it didn't look great for the Arsenal forward as he picked up an injusy that derailed his international journey.

Given the injury problems Arsenal already went into the international break with, the last thing fans needed was more injuries. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on Kai Havertz, and it's looking more positive than everybody thought.

What injury does Kai Havertz have?

Kai Havertz picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Germany. He was taken off within half an hour of the start against the Netherlands and hasn't featured for Jurgen Klopp's side since.

Hamstring injuries are known to be a problem in football, given the heavy load on players' legs. Havertz himself suffered a lengthy spell on the treatment table in the 2024/25 season through hamstring concerns, missing 20 games for club and country.

Will Kai Havertz play for Arsenal vs Leeds?

Kai Havertz is not yet ruled out to face Leeds United this weekend.

Speaking in a press conference today, Mikel Arteta said: "With Kai, as he had a muscular injury, I spoke to Germany, and they sent the player back as normal."

As a precaution, Arsenal will run a late fitness test on Havertz, but it's certainly more positive than fans initially thought about the Germany international.

Who could replace Kai Havertz at Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta has a few options not called Havertz he can call upon against Leeds United. Viktor Gyokeres is the second option for the Gunners, but some would argue that after his flying international break with Sweden, he should be the first choice to face Leeds anyway.

Failing that, Arsenal also have Mikel Merino, who is always capable of doing a job in the centre forward position. Merino received plenty of flowers on international duty, with Spain boss Luis de la Fuente even suggesting Merino should find a new club if Arsenal do not see his worth.

Against Leeds, my prediction is that Gyokeres will start for Arsenal up front out of precaution.

Is Kai Havertz available for Fantasy Football?

If Kai Havertz is in your Fantasy team, it is best to rest him this gameweek. Arteta said he returned as normal, but there will be a late fitness test to make sure of that.

As mentioned, if Arteta chooses to play someone else, Gyokeres is the likeliest shout. Despite his slow start to the season, he is more likely to score a goal than Merino.

Potential return date: Saturday 10 October (Leeds at home)

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