Bad news for Arsenal in their attempt to close the gap on Liverpool in their bid to reclaim the Premier League after more than 20 years. According to several English media outlets yesterday, and confirmed by the club itself today, Kai Havertz will need surgery for a hamstring injury and won’t return to play until next season.

Havertz Won’t Return Until Next Year

The injury is believed to have occurred during the mid-season ‘stage’ that Arsenal was conducting in Dubai before returning to action this weekend against Leicester at the King Power Stadium. He is expected to be out for 150 days. He has never suffered such a serious injury in his entire career. This was the statement issued by the ‘Gunners’:

“Subsequent evaluations and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgical intervention, which will take place in the coming days. Shortly after the operation, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation program, which is expected to extend into preparations for next season’s preseason.”

Arsenal Is Left Without Strikers

This tragic news comes just a few weeks after confirming the injury of Gabriel Jesus, who also had to undergo surgery on January 13 for a torn cruciate ligament. Like Havertz, he is expected to rejoin training at the start of next season.

This presents a major problem for Mikel Arteta, who decided not to make any signings during the winter transfer window and now won’t have either of his two strikers for the entire season. Additionally, Saka and Martinelli are still sidelined. The only available attackers for Arsenal in the coming weeks are Nwaneri, Trossard, and Martinelli.