Arsenal’s injury crisis has deepened with news that Kai Havertz will be out for the season after suffering a torn hamstring.
News emerged earlier this week of an injury scare involving Havertz during the club's warm-weather training camp in Dubai, and that he would be assessed in the coming days.
The Athletic have reported that the problem is a torn hamstring that will rule him out for the remainder of the campaign. It is unclear if he will require surgery.
The 25-year-old was the last No 9 standing at the club and manager Mikel Arteta now has a serious headache, with the Gunners having failed to bolster their attacking options during the recent transfer window.
Gabriel Jesus is out for the season after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month, Bukayo Saka has been absent since December and Gabriel Martinelli also faces a spell on the sidelines after he was forced off injured in Arsenal's defeat in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle last week.
Havertz’s absence means Leandro Trossard, youngster Ethan Nwaneri and the unfancied Raheem Sterling are the only fit forwards at the club who can play in a front three. None has much experience playing through the middle, although Trossard has deputised there in the past.
Germany international Havertz had been available for almost every game for Arsenal this season, scoring 15 goals and creating five assists in 34 appearances.
Arsenal face Leicester this weekend in the Premier League, where they are trying to hang on to Liverpool’s coattails in the title race. They trail Arne Slot’s side by six points, having played a game more.
