Arsenal's Kai Havertz has played just 20 times in 2026 due to recurring injuries, leaving his future with the club unclear.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described Kai Havertz as a 'genetic powerhouse' and a 'robust' player who has 'destroyed metrics in the gym'. Despite these glowing descriptions, the Gunners have rarely benefited from his talents this season. The Germany international has managed only 20 appearances so far, with injuries disrupting his progress repeatedly.
Havertz’s injury woes began with a hamstring issue during a winter training camp in Dubai in February 2025, requiring surgery and sidelining him for three months. A subsequent knee injury picked up in the opening-day win over Manchester United in August 2025 led to another four-month absence after surgery. His recovery was further hampered by two setbacks, including one that forced him to miss Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid.
This season, Havertz has completed just one full game, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. He has five goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all competitions, averaging nearly one goal contribution every two games. His versatility as a midfielder and forward has been missed by Arteta, who values his ability to link play. In the Champions League, he has three goals and one assist in five matches, including a crucial strike in the quarter-final first leg against Sporting.
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64 million last summer to compete with Havertz for the starting striker role. However, Gyokeres’ performances have raised questions about his suitability, particularly against top-tier opposition. When fit, Havertz started and scored against Manchester City, showcasing the difference his presence makes. His pressing and intelligence were notably absent in big games this season, contributing to Arsenal’s clunky attacking displays.
The 26-year-old Havertz admitted this season has not been what he 'expected it to be', describing it as 'stop and start'. He acknowledged it was a new experience to go through a major injury and said he 'hasn’t really faced a challenge like this before'. His latest setback came during the 1-0 win over Newcastle United, where he was withdrawn after just 34 minutes, visibly disappointed by the interruption.
Arteta has described Havertz as 'one of the most important attacking players that we have' and admitted his absence has been 'a huge miss'. The Gunners have also dealt with long-term injuries to other key players, yet maintained competitiveness. The manager stressed that the focus now must be on Havertz’s recovery and performance, noting he is 'desperate to be on the pitch as quick as possible'.
Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £65 million in 2023 and will enter the final two years of his contract in summer 2026. Earlier this season, discussions about extending his deal or exploring potential suitors were paused due to Gyokeres’ form and Havertz’s injury record. Arteta dismissed contract talks for now, insisting the priority is Havertz’s fitness and upcoming matches, including the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal have been linked with moves for other strikers, with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone mentioning Arsenal as an interested party in signing Julian Alvarez. However, Arteta avoided confirming any interest in Alvarez. The Gunners’ attacking struggles and Havertz’s injury record have fueled speculation about their striking options going forward.