Arsenal star Kai Havertz has suffered a relapse, expected to return before the end of the year | OneFootball

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has revealed that Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has suffered a minor setback in the recovery from his knee injury.

The Emirates Stadium club has been without the Arsenal star for the majority of the campaign.

Havertz played the first game of the season when the Gunners took on Manchester United but has not featured since then having had to undergo surgery on his knee in August.

The 26-year-old Arsenal striker was tipped to return to action for the North London derby on Sunday but is now expected to return towards the end of the year.

“Kai has had a small relapse, but he is doing well,” Nagelsmann replied when he was asked about the condition of Havertz after Germany’s win over Slovakia on Monday.

“If all goes well, he can play again towards the end of the year.”

Arsenal are already likely to be without Viktor Gyokeres for the game against Tottenham Hotspur after his injury against Burnley earlier this month.

The Sweden international striker was unavailable for selection against Slavia Prague and Sunderland AFC, and he remains a doubt for the weekend.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will now have to look to other striking options against Spurs, with Mikel Merino likely to be deployed to lead the line in the absence of Gyokeres and Havertz.

Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus is also not expected to return to action until much later in the year, and Arteta will hope Gyokeres returns sooner rather than later.

Arsenal need the Swede available and fit in the coming weeks given the number of games they will be playing between now and the New Year.

While Gyokeres and Havertz will not be featuring against Tottenham, the Gunners are set to have Noni Madueke available.

The English winger was close to making the matchday squad against Sunderland, while Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard could also be available in a much-needed boost for Arteta.