Arsenal is optimistic that forward Kai Havertz will be sidelined for weeks rather than months following knee surgery. The German international underwent a "successful minor surgical procedure" on Thursday, August 28, 2025, after sustaining the injury in the wake of the Gunners' 1-0 victory against Manchester United on August 17.

The club confirmed the surgery and stated that Havertz will immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation program. Arsenal is focused on providing Havertz with the support he needs to return to full fitness as soon as possible.

Havertz's knee issue arose after he came on as a second-half substitute for Viktor Gyokeres against Manchester United. Following the match, assessments and specialist reviews determined that surgery was necessary. Prior to the surgery confirmation, Mikel Arteta mentioned that Havertz would undergo more tests to ascertain the extent of the injury.

This setback follows a previous hamstring injury that kept Havertz out of action between February and May of this year. Despite the injury, sources indicate that Havertz remains in good spirits. Arteta has described him as a "strong boy" with incredible recovery ability, referencing his previous comeback from hamstring surgery.

Havertz will miss several matches, including Premier League home games against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, West Ham United, and Crystal Palace, as well as away games against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Fulham, and Burnley. He is also expected to be absent for Champions League matches and potentially two Carabao Cup ties. Havertz was also omitted from Germany's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September.

Arsenal has faced multiple injury concerns early in the season. Bukayo Saka is expected to be out for around a month due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 5-0 win over Leeds. Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury in the same match, and his availability for the Liverpool game is uncertain. Ben White missed the Leeds game due to a minor injury from the Manchester United match but was expected to be available for the Liverpool game. Gabriel Jesus is still recovering from a knee injury. Christian Norgaard has been sidelined with an unspecified injury but may debut against Liverpool.

To bolster their attacking options amidst these injuries, Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Eze was presented to the crowd before the Leeds game and is expected to debut against Liverpool.