Arsenal Forward Kai Havertz Undergoes Knee Surgery, Faces Weeks Out

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will undergo knee surgery following an injury sustained during the opening Premier League match against Manchester United, with recovery expected to sideline him for a single-digit number of weeks, likely around two months. This timeline suggests a meniscectomy procedure, which typically allows players to return within weeks, unlike a meniscus repair that would take much longer. Havertz’s absence will force Arsenal to rely on summer signing Viktor Gyökeres as the main striker, supported by players like Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Merino, while the club also pursues defender Piero Hincapié to reinforce their squad. The injury also rules Havertz out of Germany’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with the national team director Rudi Völler confirming surgery remains a possibility and the exact recovery timeline still uncertain. Manager Mikel Arteta noted Havertz’s strong mental state and commitment to recovery, recalling his impressive rehabilitation from a hamstring injury last season. Arsenal face a challenging early schedule without Havertz, but hope the injury is a setback rather than a long-term issue.