Mikel Arteta faces a nervous wait after Kai Havertz sustained a painful knock on international duty, overshadowing impressive performances from Martin Odegaard and Christos Tzolis elsewhere this evening.
The extended International Break has only just commenced and Arsenal fans and Arteta alike will already be holding their breath. This comes as key player Kai Havertz was forced to withdraw just 29 minutes into Germany’s opening match of the break, following a disgusting challenge from new Crystal Palace signing Quentin Timber, the brother of Arsenal right back, Jurrien. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Thankfully for those concerned, Havertz was able to gingerly walk off the field of play and was later videoed walking down a flight of stairs towards the dressing room unaided and in less pain than first appeared. It looks to be a knock for the 27 year-old rather than any form of muscular injury, although this is yet to be confirmed. Arsenal do not play again until 10th October as their Premier League campaign gets back under way at Emirates Stadium against Leeds United as they look to get back on track following their shock 3-0 at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion before the break. Whether Havertz will play any further part in the break for Germany however, remains to be seen.
Havertz in action tonight for Germany in their 1-1 draw with The Netherlands before he was forced to withdraw after half an hour through injury (Reuters) It was a prolific night elsewhere for Arsenal stars on International display. Christos Tzolis was in action for Greece and scored as they came from a goal down to beat Serbia 2-1 thanks to a late stoppage time winner. Captain Martin Odegaard also continued his scintillating form to start the 2026/27 campaign, registering 2 assists for Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland as Norway beat Scandinavian counterparts Denmark 3-2 in an enthralling encounter.
The International action continues to come thick and fast tomorrow. Italy will face Belgium where Riccardo Calafiori could come up against former teammate Leandro Trossard. Viktor Gyokeres and Sweden host Romania in Solna, whilst Brazil travel to Australia for a friendly fixture, in which Gabriel and Bruno Guimaraes could feature for Ancelotti’s men.
In the meantime, Arsenal will be sweating on the fitness of their number 29, but there are early hopes that he will be back fit and firing before a return to club action in a little over 2 weeks time.
