Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz until after the international break in September, with the possibility of surgery looming due to a knee injury. The 26-year-old German international sustained the injury during Arsenal's Premier League opener against Manchester United. He was subsequently absent from the Gunners' 5-0 victory against Leeds.

The extent of the injury remains unclear, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had stated the need for further tests to gain clarity. Germany's national team director, Rudi Voller, confirmed that Havertz would not be available for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Northern Ireland. Voller also indicated the possibility of surgery, stating, "We don't know exactly how things will unfold in the next few weeks. Whether surgery will be necessary or whether it will be treated conservatively".

This injury setback adds to Havertz's frustrating history with injuries. Last season, he was sidelined for three months due to a hamstring injury sustained during a training camp. His last appearance for Germany was in November 2024, in a 1-1 draw against Hungary.

Havertz's absence further depletes Arsenal's attacking options, as Gabriel Jesus is also recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. In response to these absences, Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze to bolster their attack. Summer signing Viktor Gyökeres is also expected to play a key role in leading the attack.

Arsenal will be hoping that Havertz can avoid surgery, as that would potentially extend his time on the sidelines for months. The Gunners face Liverpool in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday. Besides Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Ben White and Christian Norgaard are also on Arsenal's injury list.