Arsenal sweating on Kai Havertz injury ahead of Leeds clash

Arsenal are monitoring to see if Kai Havertz is going to be on the sidelines for some time after he picked up a knee injury.

The 26-year-old missed the open training session held at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, and the injury is being assessed by the medical department.

It is believed that the Gunners are waiting patiently for the injury to settle down, therefore, at the moment, the length of time that the forward could be ruled out is not clear.

Manager Mikel Arteta said after the pre-season match against Athletic Bilbao that the club are “actively looking at options” in the market.

Arsenal have, however, Viktor Gyokeres available, while Leandro Trossard, who has signed improved terms, can play as a centre-forward and midfielder. Mikel Merino excelled in the role at the end of last season.

This is the second injury Havertz has sustained in 2025 after he suffered a hamstring tear at a training camp in Dubai in February.

He was ruled out of 18 matches across the Premier League and Champions League before he returned for two substitute appearances in Arsenal’s final two league games.

Havertz replaced Gyokeres in the second half during Arsenal’s opening Premier League game on Sunday, a 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Germany international has racked up 88 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, scoring 29 goals.

Arsenal will take on Leeds United at the Emirates on Saturday, and Arteta is expected to provide the latest update on the forward at his pre-match news conference on Friday.