Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a fresh update on the fitness of German midfielder Kai Havertz as the 2025/26 season continues to unfold.
Havertz has been sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a knee injury during a training session last month. The setback has slowed Arsenal’s momentum in the early part of the campaign, with the club now forced to adapt in his absence. Unfortunately for the Gunners, the midfielder’s return is not expected anytime soon.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta confirmed that Havertz’s recovery will be a long process, stressing both the seriousness of the injury and the importance of handling it with care.
“With Kai, we know that it will be months with him,” Arteta explained. “I don’t know if it can be weeks — you never know because this is Kai and he’s a different specimen. We really miss him. Hopefully, he will be back, and back for the long term as well, so it is very important to look after that knee. So far, he’s progressing pretty well.”
Havertz had managed to feature briefly earlier this season, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening weekend. However, hopes of him building momentum were dashed when he picked up the fresh knee issue during training, ruling him out for the foreseeable future.
To compound Arsenal’s injury concerns, Noni Madueke has now joined the treatment room. The winger suffered a knock during the clash against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday, September 21, 2025, and could be sidelined for several weeks.
For Arteta, managing these injury blows will be crucial as Arsenal look to balance their domestic ambitions with European commitments. Havertz’s absence, in particular, leaves a creative gap in midfield, one that the Gunners will need to fill if they are to maintain consistency in the coming months.
