Kai Havertz surgery fears raised as Arsenal star ruled out of latest Germany squad due to knee injury

The Germany international managed just half an hour in Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory against Manchester United on the first weekend of the new Premier League season after picking up a knock. He was absent again as Mikel Arteta’s side thrashed Leeds 5-0 on Saturday, with the manager keeping tight-lipped about the extent of the setback.

Speaking at a press briefing in Hurtgenwald, Germany director Rudi Voller confirmed Havertz is not fit enough to join Julian Nagelsmann's squad in the September international break.

"He certainly won't make it; he has a knee injury," he said. "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 latest issue adds another chapter to Havertz’s frustrating spell with injuries. Only last season, the forward was sidelined for three months after tearing his hamstring during a training camp in Dubai. Now, with another prolonged spell on the sidelines looming, there are real concerns about his long-term fitness. His last appearance for Germany came in November 2024 during a 1-1 draw with Hungary.

Havertz’s setback comes as a real blow to the Gunners. With Gabriel Jesus already out following knee surgery earlier this year, Arsenal’s attacking depth has been stripped bare. The responsibility of leading the line now falls squarely on summer signing Viktor Gyokeres. However, the more recent arrival of Eberechi Eze will give Arteta some leverage in making sure Arsenal still have enough firepower in attack. 

Arsenal will hope that Havertz does not have to undergo surgery, which would potentially rule him out for months rather than weeks. Arteta's team will be back in action against Liverpool on Sunday in a crucial early clash between the Premier League's two main title contenders.