Arsenal forward Kai Havertz is set for several weeks out with a muscle injury, ruling him out of key Premier League games including the North London derby
Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback just as the Premier League title race enters a crucial phase, with Kai Havertz ruled out of at least four upcoming matches, including their North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Germany international has picked up a muscular injury, according to multiple reports, and will miss Arsenal’s trip to Brentford, their FA Cup tie with Wigan Athletic, the midweek clash with Wolves and, most notably, the showdown with Spurs on February 22.
Havertz only recently returned to first-team action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and his renewed absence comes at a pivotal moment for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Before this fresh issue, the 26-year-old had appeared in Arsenal’s last four games, contributing two goals and two assists across all competitions, showing the kind of influence that has made him such a valued part of the squad.
🏟️ Is Tottenham’s retractable pitch behind the team’s injury crisis?
🏈 NFL stars described the surface as “cement”, and “like it didn’t have any padding underneath”.
🚑 After Wilson Odobert’s ACL injury for Spurs, questions are intensifying. https://t.co/UDKeRAnRLY #THFC…
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 11, 2026
Havertz’s tough injury history and next steps
This latest layoff compounds what has already been a fragmented season for Havertz, who has battled several injuries in the last 12 months.
In February 2025 he suffered a serious hamstring tear that required surgery, keeping him out for the remainder of that season, and he then missed several months in 2025/26 with a knee problem that disrupted his rhythm.
The current concern is not believed to be as severe as previous setbacks – and Arsenal will take a cautious approach to his recovery – but it comes at a time when squad depth is already being tested.
With central midfielder Mikel Merino sidelined long-term following foot surgery and fitness doubts around other key attackers in recent weeks, Arteta’s options in the final third are more limited than he would have hoped.
Arsenal sit atop the Premier League and are chasing top honours, yet losing a player of Havertz’s quality – particularly in matches against Tottenham and Wolves – could disrupt their momentum.
Arteta has previously described Havertz as capable of elevating the team’s level, and now the focus will be on managing his rehabilitation carefully so he can contribute later in the campaign when the pressure is at its highest.