Kai Havertz provides injury update after 'tough few days' | OneFootball

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has admitted it's been a tough few days "mentally and physically" but he is now on the road to recovery after undergoing successful surgery on his torn hamstring.

The 25-year-old has often been criticised for not providing a regular-enough goal threat for the title-chasing Gunners, despite scoring nine Premier League goals in 21 appearances and a further six in all competitions.

But there was a feeling of absolute despair in north London when Havertz injured his hamstring in a freak training ground accident away in Dubai which will sideline him for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.

Havertz has now posted on social media after a successful operation to repair the damage, where he opened up on what's been a difficult few days.

"The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally but yesterday was a good day,” Havertz wrote. “A successful op and a win.

"Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped. I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background."

Havertz's absence comes at a time when Arsenal are already without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli - the latter the likely candidate to have played up front had he not picked up a recent niggle in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle United.

Leandro Trossard started Saturday's 2-0 win over Leicester City as Arsenal's centre forward option, but the winning goals actually came from replacement Mikel Merino, who stepped up from his usual central midfield role to fill the void with 20 minutes to go.

The Spaniard's brace kept the pressure on leaders Liverpool, aided by an assist by rising star and player of the match, Ethan Nwaneri.