Arsenal have received a potentially reassuring Kai Havertz injury update after the forward left the Germany camp with a muscle strain during the international break.
The 27-year-old is expected to miss at least some football, including the prospect of this weekend’s meeting with Leeds United, but the early indication is that his absence could be measured in weeks rather than months.
The German Football Association described the problem as a muscle strain. Analysis reported by the Metro suggests it may be a relatively minor injury, although Havertz’s history of extended absences over the past two seasons will concern Arsenal.
When could Kai Havertz return for Arsenal?
Stephen Smith, chief executive and founder of Kitman Labs, said the wording used to describe the injury was broad but offered an indication of its likely severity.
“A strain can be quite a generic term but in the context of the timeline that has been given, what they are likely saying is this is a light grade muscle strain instead of a big tear,” Smith said.
“If that’s the case it is likely a grade one or two issue, so anything from two to four weeks would fit for that.”
Havertz has made a positive start to the campaign, scoring in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City and in Premier League wins against Coventry City and Chelsea.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to take his place while he is unavailable. The Sweden international scored 21 goals in all competitions last season before losing his place, but gives Arsenal another attacking option during Havertz’s absence.
