Arsenal have confirmed Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season with the hamstring injury he suffered in Dubai.
The German is due to undergo surgery in the coming days and will not be ready to return until next season.
Havertz suffered a torn hamstring in a training session in Dubai.
His injury is a major blow for Arsenal and leaves them without a recognised centre-forward for the run-in after they failed to sign a striker in January.
Arsenal say Havertz’s recovery from his hamstring surgery is “expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season”.
An Arsenal statement read: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.
“Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.
“Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.
“Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”
Mikel Arteta will talk about Havertz's injury lay-off on Friday morning at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leicester.
