What Does the Future Hold for Havertz After a Season Blighted by Injury?

What does future hold for Havertz – Kai Havertz, the German forward who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 for a £65m fee, has been a focal point of the team’s attacking ambitions. However, this season has presented significant challenges for the 26-year-old, as his availability has been limited by a series of setbacks. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has often highlighted Havertz’s physical attributes, describing him as a “genetic powerhouse” and emphasizing his “robust” nature, while also noting his dedication to training, calling him someone who “has destroyed metrics in the gym.” Despite these accolades, Havertz’s contributions on the pitch have been inconsistent, with his talent on display only sporadically due to recurring injuries.

A Season of Setbacks and Limited Impact

The season began with Havertz sidelined for four months after a knee injury during Arsenal’s opening match against Manchester United. This injury, which required surgery, disrupted his early campaign and set the tone for a challenging year. Later in the season, a hamstring issue during a winter training camp in Dubai in February 2025 added to the complications, forcing him to miss three months of action. More recently, a new setback ruled him out of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, further limiting his playing time.

Havertz’s inconsistency has raised questions about his role in the team. He has managed just 20 appearances this season, with only six starts in the Premier League. His only full game came in a 2-1 defeat by Manchester City, where he showcased his potential by scoring a goal. Yet, beyond that, his impact has been constrained. Arteta has admitted the team has missed Havertz’s ability to link play, especially in key moments. “We are talking about one of the most important attacking players we have,” Arteta said when reflecting on Havertz’s absence. “He has been out for seven or eight months, and without him, our attacking structure feels incomplete.”

“He has been a huge miss,” Arteta added. “We are dealing with a player who brings intelligence, work-rate, and versatility to the team. His absence has forced us to adapt, but we’ve still managed to remain competitive.”

The Rise of Viktor Gyokeres and Tactical Adjustments

Arsenal’s decision to sign Viktor Gyokeres in the summer for £64m was predicated on the idea that both players could compete for the starting striker role. However, Havertz’s prolonged injury has left Gyokeres as the primary option in attack. The team has relied heavily on set-piece goals this season, and while Gyokeres has shown promise, there have been murmurs about whether he is the ideal fit for Arsenal’s high-pressing style. In games where Havertz was fit, he often dictated the tempo, pressing opponents and creating chances. For instance, in the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting, he scored the winning goal, demonstrating his value when available.

Arteta’s tactical approach has shifted in response to Havertz’s unavailability. The manager has experimented with Havertz as a midfielder, leveraging his vision and playmaking skills. But this versatility has also meant that the team has been forced to adjust its formation, sometimes at the expense of their attacking fluidity. “It’s been a new experience for him going through a major injury,” Havertz said earlier in the campaign. “He hasn’t really faced a challenge like this before, and it’s affected his rhythm.” His comments reflect a sense of frustration, as the season has not unfolded as he anticipated.

A Contract Decision in the Balance

Havertz’s contract, which runs until 2028, will be up for review this summer. Before this season, there were discussions internally about extending his deal or exploring interest from other clubs if he met expectations. But with his injury record this year, those discussions have taken a backseat. His goal involvement in 20 appearances—five goals and four assists—has been impressive, offering a near-one-per-game rate. Yet, this statistic only tells part of the story, as Arsenal has struggled to maintain consistency without him.

Despite the setbacks, Havertz has remained a key figure in the squad. His ability to create opportunities, even in limited appearances, has been a boon for the team. For example, in a crucial match against Manchester City, he scored by pressing the goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, a move that highlighted his intelligence and work ethic. But the absence of his relentless energy has made the attack feel disjointed at times, with players struggling to maintain the same intensity in his place.

Looking Ahead to the Final Stretch

With the season entering its final phase, the focus is on how Havertz can regain his form and contribute more consistently. Arsenal will host Fulham on Saturday in a bid to close the gap in the title race, and Havertz is expected to play a part. His presence could provide the spark needed to break down stubborn defenses, especially in high-stakes matches. “We’ve had to make adjustments, but the team’s resilience has been admirable,” Arteta noted. “Even with limited options, we’ve kept the pressure on.”

Havertz’s injury woes have not only impacted his own performance but also tested the squad’s depth. While players like Gyokeres have stepped up, the team’s attacking play has been scrutinized, particularly in games against elite opposition. Arteta’s comments suggest that the manager is optimistic about the squad’s adaptability, but the German forward’s return to full fitness remains a critical factor in Arsenal’s ambitions. As the season concludes, the question remains: will Havertz be able to recover in time to make a meaningful impact, or will his injury history lead to a reassessment of his role at the club?

The challenges Havertz has faced this season have been both physical and mental. His injury record has forced Arsenal to rely on set-pieces and a more static attacking approach, which has drawn criticism. Yet, there is still belief in his ability to turn things around. If he can maintain his health and rediscover his rhythm, the Gunners may yet find the balance they need to compete at the top of the league. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Havertz can emerge from this difficult campaign with his reputation intact—or if his struggles will lead to a reevaluation of his place in the team’s long-term plans.

As the clock ticks down on the season, the pressure on Havertz is mounting. His performance in the upcoming match against Fulham could serve as a barometer for his progress. If he can contribute effectively, it may signal the beginning of a recovery. If not, the summer could bring difficult decisions for both the player and the club. Regardless of the outcome, the journey so far has underscored the importance of Havertz to Arsenal’s success and the challenges of maintaining peak performance in the face of adversity.