Former Premier League striker Les Ferdinand fears that Arsenal's Kai Havertz could be sidelined for the remainder of the season after the German international was forced off during the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
Havertz Injury Against Newcastle
Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought win at the Emirates Stadium. Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game with a superb long-range strike, but he too was substituted later in the second half. However, Arsenal had already lost Havertz by that point. The Germany international went down off the ball in the 33rd minute with an apparent groin or upper leg issue. He limped off the pitch and went straight down the tunnel for treatment, with Viktor Gyokeres replacing him.
Arteta's Hopes and Wright's Concerns
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the problem as a 'muscular issue' and expressed hope that Havertz would be available for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid next week. However, Arsenal legend Ian Wright was less optimistic, admitting he was 'quite concerned' and believed the injury could be a lengthy one. Speaking alongside Wright on Premier League Productions, Ferdinand shared his fears. 'That looks like a recurrence of one he has had before, and you can tell by his face as he walked off straight down the tunnel that you don't expect to see him any time soon,' Ferdinand said.
Havertz's Injury History
Havertz missed the final four months of last season with a hamstring injury that required surgery. He returned for the opening day of the current campaign against Manchester United but was then sidelined again after undergoing what the club initially described as 'minor' knee surgery. He did not play again until January, starting 10 games since his return to action. Havertz was preferred as the central striker against Manchester City last week, with Gyokeres left on the bench. Arsenal's attack has looked more fluid with Havertz in the lineup, aided by the presence of Eze and Martin Odegaard.
Impact on Arsenal
Should Havertz miss the rest of the season, Ferdinand believes it will create a major problem for Arteta to solve. 'He leads the line really well and gets himself into good positions where he can link the play for Arsenal,' Ferdinand said. 'That is what they are missing with Viktor; he hasn't been able to link it quite as well as Havertz. When Havertz is there, Arsenal have a focal point and they can play off him. That will be a real big miss for them.'
