Kai Havertz injury: Arsenal waiting to discover extent of knee issue as transfer plans could change | OneFootball

Worrying news for the Gunners on the eve of their first home game of the season

Injury scare: Kai Havertz

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Arsenal are assessing Kai Havertz amid fears the striker could be set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Havertz is understood to be struggling with a knee issue that Arsenal are currently assessing to learn the extent of it.

If the German is out for an extended period of time then it could force the Gunners to enter the transfer market before it closes on September 1.

Arsenal have already added to their attack this summer by adding Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres to the squad.

Mikel Arteta revealed earlier this month that Arsenal could still enter the market this month, and that was before news of Havertz’s knee issue.

“Let's see what happens in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks, but we are actively looking at options,” said Arteta.

“As well there are a few players maybe that they have to leave as well so we’ll be open to see what happens.”

Gyokeres will be expected to lead the line if Havertz is out for a spell and Leandro Trossard can play there, too.

Arsenal, however, are limited in options beyond that as Gabriel Jesus is currently out with a knee injury.

Mikel Merino filled in as an emergency option up front last season and could do so again, which would open up the possibility of Arsenal signing a wide forward.

Emergency option: Mikel Merino

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Arteta is due to hold a press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match with Leeds - and should provide an update on Havertz then.

Havertz was not the only absentee from Wednesday’s open training session at the Emirates.

Ben White and Christian Norgaard were also not involved, with the latter absent from Sunday’s win at Old Trafford, too.

Right-back Jurrien Timber took part in some of the session, but did not play in the training session at the end of it.