Major blow for Gunners as Germany star ruled out for the rest of the season

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the season, according to The Athletic.

Havertz has reportedly torn a hamstring on the team’s mid-season training camp in Dubai and won’t be available for the remainder of the campaign.

The news will come as a bitter blow for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta who now has to try to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool without a recognised centre forward.

Havertz has filled the role for much of the season, although he did drop back into midfield when Gabriel Jesus was preferred in attack.

🚨 Kai Havertz set to miss rest of season through injury. Arsenal forward suffered torn hamstring during training at camp in Dubai. Unclear if 25yo Germany international will require surgery but focus is getting fit for 2025-26 campaign >

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein)

However, with the Brazilian sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month, Havertz was again deployed higher up the pitch with mixed results.

The Germany international has scored 15 goals and added five assists in 34 appearances in all competitions this season but has also missed 15 big chances in the Premier League, the third most alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and behind only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (18) and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (19).

Watkins was the subject of a £60million bid by Arsenal towards the end of the transfer window but Villa opted to keep the England international and instead sell Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

More injury woe for Arteta and Arsenal

Arsenal have suffered from injuries in attacking areas all season.

England winger Bukayo Saka rejoined training in Dubai but is not expected to play until March while Gabriel Martinelli is also out for a month with a hamstring problem.

Arsenal are second in the Premier League, six points behind Liverpool who play their game in hand at Merseyside rivals Everton tonight.