Arsenal’s season has been a nightmare for Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined for months by injury and has only started six Premier League matches. The 26‑year‑old, signed for £65m, has managed five goals and four assists in twenty appearances, a near‑one‑in‑two‑game involvement that shows how much the team misses him in this campaign during the twelve weeks.

Havertz’s return saw him switch between midfield and forward, a versatility Arteta values. He scored the winner against Sporting in the Champions League quarter‑final and added a goal against Manchester City, but the Gunners have struggled without his work rate. Their reliance on set‑pieces has left gaps when he is absent in recent matches today.

Arteta admitted that Kai Havertz’s seven‑to‑eight‑month absence has hurt Arsenal’s attack, calling him one of the club’s most important players. With his contract running to 2028, discussions about extensions or a sale have stalled as the manager prioritises his fitness and the team’s need to perform without him.

The forward’s injury saga also complicates Arsenal’s transfer plans. Interest in striker Julian Alvarez has surfaced, yet Arteta remains cautious, stating the club’s focus must stay on Havertz’s availability and performance. Without a reliable forward, Arsenal’s title push feels precarious, especially as rivals tighten the race in the final weeks of the season for good.