Arsenal's Havertz misses Germany World Cup qualifiers with knee injury

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will miss Germany's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Northern Ireland due to a knee injury sustained during Arsenal's Premier League opener against Manchester United. Germany's national team director Rudi Voeller confirmed that Havertz will not participate next month and that it is currently unclear whether surgery will be required or if the injury will be treated conservatively. Havertz, who also missed over three months earlier this year with a hamstring injury, remains sidelined as Arsenal continues to assess his condition. In addition, Arsenal faces further injury concerns with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka recently forced off in a match against Leeds United, with Saka potentially out for around a month. Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze to strengthen their attack amid the absences of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the latter still recovering from an ACL injury. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann will also be without key players Jamal Musiala, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Nico Schlotterback for the qualifiers.