Just when Arsenal fans thought the injury curse had finally been lifted, the Premier League giants were hit with another injury on Saturday.
The Gunners regained top spot in the Premier League with a nerve-wracking 1-0 win against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
However, these three important points came at a heavy price. The post-match celebrations quickly turned into a tense affair for Mikel Arteta and the fans as both Kai Havertz and match-winner Eberechi Eze were sent off with worrying injuries.
The drama started early in the first half. After brilliantly assisting Eze’s superb opener from a short corner in the 9th minute, Havertz collapsed off the ball around the 33rd minute with a problem in the upper leg.
Kai Havertz injured against Newcastle United
After on-pitch treatment, the visibly disappointed Germany international was forced to hobble down the tunnel, accompanied by the club’s physiotherapist.
He was quickly replaced by Victor Gokeres in the 34th minute, an early indication that medical staff were not taking any risks.
As if losing the versatile forward wasn’t bad enough, things got even worse right after the restart.
Eze, who had been active after scoring the winning goal, went down with an injury and was forced to be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli less than 10 minutes into the second half.
This is a bitter pill to swallow, especially for Havertz. His 2025/26 campaign was already marred by a stop-start physical setback, with him missing a staggering 32 games with a serious knee injury in August.
Naturally, the immediate focus has now shifted to how long this attacker will be out, especially with the monumental Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid looming on Wednesday, April 29th.
Arteta gives encouraging injury update
After the match, Arteta gave an update on Havertz, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
“I don’t know how serious it is, but it shouldn’t be that bad. The action, the way he explains it, it’s not too sharp.”
Eze himself calmed the nerves, telling reporters after the match that the substitution was mostly precautionary, insisting: “Yes, it’s okay. I’m fine.”.
The Gunners have successfully ended their domestic slump, picking up three points and with Bukayo Saka finally returning to the team, their attacking depth is slowly returning.
Attention is now focused on London Colney’s infirmary. If Arteta manages to add Havertz and Eze in time for Madrid, this tough weekend could end with just a speed bump on the road to a historic season.
Both Havertz and Eze are important pieces for Mikel Arteta’s side, bringing versatility and depth to attacking positions.
With Manchester City on the back foot, Arteta needs all his players to be fit to win the Premier League title.
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