Kai Havertz injury setback confirmed as Arsenal get new return date for forward

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has been sidelined for a number of weeks with a knee injury, and it appears the Germany international will have to wait a little longer to get back on the pitch

Arsenal's injury crisis continues to deepen as the Gunners have been dealt another blow, this time with forward Kai Havertz. The Germany international has battled fitness issues throughout the past year, after a severe hamstring problem sidelined him for a substantial portion of last season.

Whilst this campaign was meant to see Havertz compete with Viktor Gyokeres for the central striker position, a knee complaint early in the season has ruled him out of contention in recent months, although Premier League leaders Arsenal have coped admirably in his absence.

There had been hopes that the forward would return to action shortly after the November international break, which would have provided perfect timing for the Gunners.

An injury to Gyokeres and a prolonged knee issue for Gabriel Jesus had left Mikel Arteta relying on Mikel Merino as his primary centre forward option prior to the World Cup qualifiers, whilst the duo continued to be assessed with their respective injuries, reports football.london.

Havertz could have provided the solution to that dilemma, but it appears the Arsenal star faces an extended period on the sidelines.

This comes after Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann disclosed a fresh setback for the 26-year-old.

Speaking at a recent press conference, he revealed: "Kai [Havertz] had a minor relapse, but overall he’s doing well." Nagelsmann continued by stating there is an expectation that Havertz will make his comeback "towards the end of the [calendar] year."

Havertz was unable to regain full fitness in time to represent his country in their latest World Cup qualifiers, during which Germany secured their spot at next summer's tournament.

Nagelsmann has thrown his support behind Havertz and other injured stars, stating they have ample time to recover with the next international break not until March.

However, it's a more immediate concern for Arsenal, as Arteta and his team face a crucial run of fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

The Gunners are back in action on Sunday, facing Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby amid several selection dilemmas.

Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to be absent, with the BBC suggesting the defender could be sidelined for one to two months due to an adductor injury.

This comes on top of uncertainties over Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, as well as Gyokeres and Jesus.

Following a bustling summer transfer window, Arsenal boast improved squad depth, but this will be pushed to its limits in the forthcoming weeks.

If they can navigate matches against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea successfully, then the Gunners will be well-placed to press ahead.