Kai Havertz is out of the match against Leeds United, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Softfootball reports.
The former Chelsea forward suffered the injury during the first game of the season against Manchester United. It made Arsenal react by entering the transfer market and hijacked Eberechi Eze ‘s move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Arteta’s interview during the press conference ahead of the game against Leeds was published via Arsenal’s official club media especially where he answered questions regarding Kai Havertz’s injury.
He said:
“He’s certainly not fit for this match. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury. We don’t really know yet the extent of it, I think we need a bit more time and some more tests, and after that we will have more clarity about the next steps.
“I prefer not to talk about the specifics, but he’s not fit, as I said. We need to explore that issue a little bit further and decide what we’re going to do.
“I don’t know, the worst scenario is that he cannot play tomorrow, I would love to have him fresh and available, bringing what he brings to the team but unfortunately, that is not going to be possible.”
On how the German international is handling the injury and situation around him mentally, Arteta replied:
“Mentally, he’s in a good place because he’s a really strong boy, very committed. He had an incredible recovery from the hamstring surgery. I think he’d never had an injury before; it was the first experience. Now, he’s got a setback, let’s see how bad it is, but I’m sure he’s going to deal with it in the best possible way and, as I said, he’s a joy of a kid and hopefully we’re going to have him soon.”
Arsenal began the season with a hard fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Gunners are overwhelming favourites to win the premier league this season after finishing second in three consecutive seasons.
