The German national team have confirmed that Kai Havertz has been forced to pull out of their squad due to a knee problem.
Havertz has been one of Arsenal’s standout players at this early stage of the season, with the 25-year-old appearing in every Premier League game while racking up four goals and one assist.
The forward scored the Gunners’ crucial equaliser against Southampton on Saturday and remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes at the Emirates.
But Havertz will not travel with Germany for the side’s upcoming Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands and Mainz attacker Jonathan Burkardt has been called up in his place.
Havertz has enjoyed a remarkably clean bill of health since joining Arsenal but has struggled with knee problems in the past, in 2017, 2018 and last year when he was still with Chelsea.
‘Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems,’ a statement on Germany’s official X page read.
‘National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz’s place. Get well soon, Kai!
‘We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!’
The severity of Havertz’s problem remains uncertain and MIkel Arteta will be hoping the German’s withdrawal is just a precaution.
The former Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen man now has two weeks to rest and recover before Arsenal return to Premier League action against Andoni Ireaola’s Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal have also been without Mikel Merino, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and club captain Martin Odegaard in recent weeks through injury.
It had been hoped that White could return to full fitness to face the Saints this weekend but the defender was not included in Arteta’s matchday squad.
However, Tomiyasu was named on the substitutes bench and came on for Thomas Partey in the closing stages in north London.
On Odegaard’s possible return, Arteta explained: ‘It’s very difficult.
‘I expected still with the boot and a lot of things and he’s working so hard and is feeling good and is pushing it so it’s difficult to give a timeline.’
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