Arsenal Injury Update: Havertz and Gabriel’s Conditions

In October, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, shared an update regarding Kai Havertz’s condition, stating, “We understand that it will take months for him to regain full fitness. While it’s uncertain if it could be weeks, we are hopeful, as Kai is quite unique in his resilience. We genuinely miss him and desire his long-term recovery, especially concerning his knee. So far, he has been making good progress.”

Havertz has faced fitness challenges throughout the year, having missed the final months of the 2024-25 season due to a hamstring injury. He participated in Arsenal’s pre-season, only to encounter a knee issue that necessitated further treatment.

This week, Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, provided an update on Havertz and his teammate Jamal Musiala, who is also recuperating from surgery. Nagelsmann remarked, “Kai (Havertz) experienced a minor setback, but overall his condition is improving. Jamal has resolved his major issues, but like Kai, he needs to regain match rhythm with his club. They both have until March to achieve full fitness, but stabilization is essential.”

The Gunners have been grappling with injury challenges since the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Captain Martin Ødegaard and summer signing Noni Madueke are currently unavailable, while star defender Gabriel sustained a knock during an international friendly for Brazil against Senegal last week at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel has already undergone scans, and further tests on his right thigh are anticipated. According to The Athletic, there is concern that he could be sidelined for up to two months during his recovery, potentially keeping him out for the remainder of the calendar year and possibly delaying his return until late January. The most optimistic scenario suggests he might only miss one month, allowing him to return before Christmas.

Despite these injury setbacks, Arteta’s squad has shown remarkable form, currently leading the Premier League title race with a four-point advantage over Manchester City. Following three consecutive second-place finishes, Arsenal is being favored to win the title for the first time since the 2003-04 season. The Gunners will next compete against arch-rivals Tottenham in the highly anticipated north London derby this Sunday.