Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has picked up a muscle injury and is set for another spell on the sidelines.
The Germany attacker will miss Thursday’s Premier League match at Brentford and is likely to miss the FA Cup game against Wigan on Sunday.
Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham on 22 February and Havertz is also a doubt for that fixture – meaning he could miss up to four matches with the Gunners also playing Wolves next week in the league.
Havertz has struggled with injuries and had only recently recovered from a knee problem he picked up on the opening day of the season which had kept him out for about five months.
Prior to that problem, Havertz injured his hamstring on a training camp in Dubai in February 2025 and needed surgery on the issue which saw him miss the end of last season.
His latest injury is a concern for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners boss is also without midfielder Mikel Merino who has had surgery on a foot problem.
Captain Martin Odegaard, England attacker Bukayo Saka and youngster Max Dowman have also been missing through injury in recent weeks.
Viktor Gyokeres fumes over the injury
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly reacted with visible frustration and deep concern following the latest injury setback suffered by teammate Kai Havertz, in what comes as a major blow to Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans at a crucial stage of the season.
The German international, who has been a key creative and tactical component in Arsenal’s forward line, picked up the injury during a high-intensity training session earlier this week. While the club has yet to release a detailed medical report, early indications suggest Havertz could be sidelined for several important fixtures — news that has not gone down well with Gyökeres.
Gyökeres’ Frustration
Sources close to the Arsenal dressing room suggest Gyökeres was visibly upset upon hearing the extent of Havertz’s injury. The Swedish forward, who has developed a strong on-field partnership with Havertz this season, reportedly expressed his disappointment privately, emphasizing how important the former Chelsea man has been to his own performances.
“Kai understands my movement better than anyone,” Gyökeres is believed to have told teammates. “We’ve built something special in the final third. Losing him now is tough — for me and for the team.”
Gyökeres’ frustration is understandable. Since arriving at the club, much of his success in front of goal has been aided by Havertz’s intelligent positioning, subtle link-up play, and willingness to occupy defenders. The German’s ability to drift between midfield and attack has created space for Gyökeres to exploit, making them one of Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking duos in recent months.
A Growing Partnership Cut Short
The chemistry between Gyökeres and Havertz had been steadily improving. In several recent matches, Havertz provided key assists or pre-assist contributions that allowed the Swedish striker to thrive inside the penalty area. Their understanding was becoming instinctive — one dropping deep while the other attacked space, constantly rotating positions to unsettle opposition backlines.
Statistically, Arsenal’s attacking output has been significantly higher when both players start together. Gyökeres’ goal tally has seen a noticeable spike in matches where Havertz operates just behind or alongside him, a testament to their complementary styles.
For Gyökeres, Havertz’s injury is not just about losing a teammate — it’s about losing rhythm and fluidity in the team’s attacking structure.
Arteta Faces Tactical Headache
Mikel Arteta now faces a difficult decision. With Havertz sidelined, Arsenal may need to reshuffle their attacking midfield setup. Options like Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze, or even a more advanced role for another midfielder could be considered, but replacing Havertz’s unique blend of physical presence and technical quality will not be straightforward.
Gyökeres reportedly urged the squad to “stay focused and adapt,” but insiders claim he made it clear that the team must quickly adjust to avoid losing momentum in the title race.
“There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves,” Gyökeres is said to have told teammates. “We fight for him.”
Emotional Reaction
Beyond tactics and statistics, Gyökeres’ reaction highlights the growing bond within the Arsenal dressing room. Those close to the striker describe him as fiercely competitive and deeply invested in the team’s collective success. Havertz’s injury appears to have struck a personal chord, particularly given the criticism both players have faced at different times this season.
They had, in many ways, silenced doubters together.
Gyökeres’ visible anger is less about frustration toward Havertz and more about the timing of the setback. With Arsenal battling on multiple fronts — domestic and European — squad depth is being tested to its limits.
Looking Ahead
The immediate question now is how Arsenal respond. Gyökeres will likely carry an even greater scoring burden in Havertz’s absence. The Swedish striker has shown he can shoulder responsibility, but doing so without one of his most trusted attacking partners will be a stern test.
For now, the mood inside the camp is described as determined rather than defeated. Havertz is expected to undergo further assessment, and while timelines remain uncertain, Arsenal fans will be hoping for a quicker-than-expected return.
As for Gyökeres, his message is clear: frustration can fuel performance.
If anything, Havertz’s injury may ignite an even more relentless version of Viktor Gyökeres — a striker determined to score not just for himself, but for his sidelined teammate.