Havertz shares hospital bed snap wearing knee brace as he releases statement

KAI HAVERTZ has shared an update from the hospital bed after suffering a season-ending injury.

The Arsenal forward tore his hamstring during the club's training camp in Dubai last week.

The 25-year-old has now released an update from the hospital following a successful operation.

Taking to social media, he said: "The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally.

"But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.

"Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.

"I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background."

The Germany international's absence had left Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with just three healthy attackers at his disposal; Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal appeared predictably toothless against Leicester for much of the game, until £33million summer signing Mikel Merino was introduced to play as an auxiliary striker.

It had been reported in the week that Arteta and his coaches had identified the Spaniard as having the qualities to play up front despite being a midfielder by trade.

And it proved to be a stroke of genius as Merino headed home a cross from Nwaneri to open the scoring, before tapping home at the far post to seal a 2-0 win.

Arteta and the Gunners faithful will be hoping Merino and co will continue to cope without their first-choice frontline.

There had been hope Bukayo Saka would return next month, but SunSport exclusively revealed how the England international was now set for a further eight weeks on the sideline - pushing his expected return date to mid-April.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are also both out injured, leading to Arsenal searching the winter transfer market for more firepower.

But the failure to add a new asset was a fact bemoaned by Arteta even before Havertz was struck down by his season-ending injury.

After moving to within four points of league leaders Liverpool, the North Londoners host West Ham in a week's time.