Arsenal handed fresh injury concern as key star pulls out of international duty with knee problem

Arsenal have been dealt an injury concern in the form of Kai Havertz, who was on target against Southampton on Saturday. The Gunners beat Southampton 3-1, coming from behind thanks to goals from Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bikayo Saka.

Mikel Arteta’s men are yet to lose this season, still just one point behind leaders Liverpool and only goal difference behind Manchester City. Havertz played a full 90 minutes in the home win over the Saints, but he has now withdrawn from Germany’s Nations League fixtures, which will take place over the next week and a half, with knee problems.

It’s unclear whether Havertz will miss any club football, but he will spend time in North London in a bid to recover from his knee issues rather than linking up with his national side. Germany’s X account posted: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems. National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz's place. Get well soon, Kai!”

There will, no doubt, be critics of Havertz’s decision given he has played a full game for Arsenal, but given the Nations League isn’t a huge priority for most nations and the fact there is another international period next month, Germany’s coaching staff are not likely to lose too much sleep over the decision, preferring to get a fit and healthy Havertz next month.

Arteta weighs in on internationals

Arteta was asked about which players could decide to give the international period a miss this month after the Southampton win. “First of all the player has to be healthy to go to their national teams but all of them, when I spoke to them, want to be part of that and it’s normal,” said the Spaniard.

“It’s a huge privilege to represent your country. They all want to be involved, they all have their role, they don’t want to lose it and we have to understand that as well.”