Kai Havertz has picked up a muscular injury and is set to miss Arsenal's next four games at least, ruling him out of the north London derby at Tottenham later this month.
The German forward is set to miss Thursday night's Premier League game at Brentford, Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Wigan and next week's top-flight clashes at both Wolves and Spurs.
The setback adds to Arsenal's injury concerns in attacking midfield - where Havertz has started in three of the club's last four games - with Mikel Merino also out for most of the rest of the season after foot surgery.
Arsenal will, however, give captain Martin Odegaard a late fitness test ahead of Thursday's trip to the Gtech, along with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. Eberechi Eze, meanwhile, is another attacking midfield option for manager Mikel Arteta.
However, there is also no recall clause or option in Ethan Nwaneri's loan move to Marseille amid the Merino and Havertz injuries.
The Arsenal winger was sent on a six-month loan to Marseille in the January transfer window, with the possibility of working under Roberto De Zerbi one of the main reasons why the 18-year-old joined the Ligue 1 club.
However, despite De Zerbi leaving Marseille this week and Arsenal losing options in midfield, Nwaneri will stay in the south of France until the end of the season.
Havertz's injury struggles
Havertz's muscular issue is just the latest in a succession of injuries suffered by the 26-year-old.
The Germany international had missed much of this campaign after damaging his knee on the opening day of the season and being sidelined for five months.
Meanwhile, Havertz was also absent for most of the second half of last season as Arsenal tried to chase down Liverpool in the Premier League after the forward injured his hamstring while on a warm-weather training camp in Dubai in February 2025.
That issue required surgery, with the player going on to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Jehcdempst
0
it's an injury not life time, quick recovery our star
Dibklpst
0
Just can't believe it
kouceklntz
1
again?
Sabkmorsu
2
Again and Again....soon to hear Jesus is injured......this is not good..sell them pliz
Jumachelsea
1
Chelsea to Arsenal be like hi Arsenal you want another one I've got labia for you here we just need for 150 million pounds okay to make your hospital look beautiful
layackmpu
4
Quick recovery Kai,he is not the first footballer to get injured, come back stronger, hope u will be available for the north London derby
Fiuaceimot
0
Stupid feeble chicken this guy should be sold out
tedaikruy
0
when you disrespect your first fruits your life will never be desame
who are you talking? are you God?
sewbekltz
4
it is time for eze to feet in
zocelmnrt
1
big fool
Cidaekltyz
2
But WTF
Tonabdnosy
0
na wa ooooo
rokbilsuy
2
it's a blessing in disguise cos he will come back when they need him the mist and he will deliver....ask Chelsea fans🙋😂
Zukamnoy
0
This guy needs to be sold out on the summer
lolosky_kg
5
Okay, he heard Chelsea was coming, got off the sick bed, sent Chelsea out of Carabal cup, mission accomplished, went back home. I see.! Gunners you guys should still take him, we no still want
thisishayzed
1
always thanks your first fruits and don't abandoned it no matter how
You mean Bayer Leverkusen?
badbimrz
0
always thanks your first fruits and don't abandoned it no matter how
Yawoozo
0
Told Arteta not to count on Havertz ..see
badbimrz
1
when you disrespect your first fruits your life will never be desame