- Kai Havertz has been forced to pull out of Germany’s Nations League clashes
- The 25-year-old Arsenal forward has been sidelined with ‘knee problems’
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Kai Havertz has been forced to withdraw from international duty in the latest injury blow for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed an excellent start to campaign and currently sit one point behind Liverpool having yet to taste defeat in all competitions.
Havertz has been central to the Gunners success so far this season, and netted an equaliser as they came from behind to defeat Southampton 3-1 on Saturday.
However, with the international break approaching Havertz has not joined up with his Germany team-mates ahead of their upcoming Nations League matches this month.
A statement from the German Football association noted the 25-year-old is suffering with a knee issue.
Kai Havertz has been forced to pull out of international duty with Germany with a knee injury
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a flying start to the campaign and netted in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday
Mikel Arteta’s side sit third in the Premier League table, one point behind leaders Liverpool
It read: ‘Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems. Get well soon, Kai.’
The news comes as the latest setback for Arteta with Ben White and Jurrien Timber both missing Saturday’s game through injury.
Meanwhile club captain Martin Odegaard is expected to spend an extended spell on the sidelines after he limped off on international duty last month, with no timeline given for his return.
Havertz joined Arsenal last summer after spending three seasons in the Premier League with Chelsea.
Despite winning the Champions League in his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge Havertz frequently underwhelmed during his time with the Blues.
A number of Arsenal stars are currently sidelined, including club captain Martin Odegaard
After joining Arteta’s side Havertz scored just once in his first 12 league appearances for the Gunners but grew in momentum as the season went on and ended with a career-best 13 Premier League goals as Arsenal took the title race to the final day.
As Arsenal look to go one better this year he has become a focal point of the club’s attack, and has netted six times in all competitions.
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