Kai Havertz Suffers Injury Setback in Recovery, Confirms Germany Coach Julian Nagelsmann

Germany boss sheds light on a fresh Kai Havertz injury setback as Arsenal await his long-delayed return.

Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz has suffered a fresh and minor setback in his rehabilitation, intensifying concerns around his injury recovery as both Arsenal and Germany await his return. Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the issue while offering cautious optimism about the midfielder’s progress.

Havertz sustained a knee injury in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United in August and underwent a small surgical procedure soon after. His recovery initially moved in the right direction, but the timeline stretched longer than expected. As Mikel Arteta prepared to reintegrate him after the November international break, Nagelsmann revealed that Havertz had encountered a “minor relapse” that briefly slowed his rehabilitation.

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Nagelsmann clarified after Germany’s 6–0 win over Slovakia that Havertz remains on the right path, stating, “Kai had a minor relapse, but overall he’s doing well.”

Germany’s Assessment and Return Expectations

Germany did not include Havertz in their November squad, and Nagelsmann emphasized that the staff is prioritising caution to avoid rushing him back. The coach placed Havertz and Jamal Musiala in the same recovery category, insisting both players need time to reach full match sharpness. According to Nagelsmann, both could return “towards the end of the year,” which keeps alive hopes of Havertz featuring during Arsenal’s festive run and Germany’s early preparations for the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Arsenal’s Growing Injury Concerns

Havertz’s delayed return arrives during a difficult stretch for Arsenal, who are already coping with injuries to multiple first-team regulars, including Gabriel Magalhães. Havertz has appeared only once this season, leaving a noticeable creative gap in midfield and limiting Arteta’s ability to rotate during a congested period of Premier League and European fixtures.

Although the setback remains minor, Arsenal and Germany plan to proceed carefully to avoid aggravating the injury. Both camps want Havertz fully fit, knowing his versatility, height, and technical quality play a vital role in midfield dynamics. With crucial matches ahead and international ambitions rising, the focus now shifts to ensuring his recovery progresses smoothly over the coming weeks.

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