Mikel Arteta Hit by Fresh Arsenal Injury Blow as Kai Havertz Return Delayed

Mikel Arteta faces another Arsenal injury setback after Kai Havertz suffers a late recovery issue, delaying his comeback until January 2026

Mikel Arteta has been dealt another Arsenal injury setback after confirmation that Kai Havertz long-awaited return from knee surgery has been pushed back until early to mid-January 2026. The delay arrives at a critical point in Arsenal’s title challenge and further stretches a squad already operating under heavy physical strain.

Havertz has endured a deeply frustrating campaign, managing just one appearance this season following his summer move into a more central attacking role.

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The 26-year-old German suffered a knee injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025. Introduced from the bench, Havertz later required minor surgery, ruling him out for several months.

His rehabilitation progressed well through October and November, raising optimism that a return was imminent. However, a late issue suffered during one of his final training sessions forced medical staff to pause his reintegration and reset his recovery timeline.

Reports from MailSport indicate Havertz was only days away from rejoining full group training at London Colney when the setback occurred.

Arteta Urges Caution Over Return Date

Arteta has consistently avoided setting firm timelines, stressing the importance of protecting the player’s long-term fitness.

“A matter of weeks,” Arteta explained earlier this month. “Let’s see how it evolves. He’s doing really well on the pitch, but he needs time.”

That cautious stance now appears justified, with Arsenal unwilling to rush a player who already suffered a hamstring tear earlier in the year during the club’s mid-season camp in Dubai.

Havertz is tentatively targeting Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on January 8. However, sources close to the club believe the FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth three days later represents a more realistic return point.

That approach would allow Arteta to ease him back amid a relentless schedule that includes Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup commitments.

Arsenal’s Growing Injury List Raises Concern

This latest Arsenal injury setback adds to a mounting crisis that has seen the club record over 100 separate fitness issues since the start of last season.

Gabriel Magalhães remains sidelined, while Ben White faces up to five weeks out with a hamstring injury. Summer arrival Cristhian Mosquera and teenage prospect Max Dowman have also entered the treatment room in recent weeks.

Arteta has described the situation as a “really dangerous circle,” and he firmly rejects claims that overtraining causes the problem.

Despite leading the Premier League, Arsenal must sustain momentum without several key contributors. Havertz’s continued absence reduces attacking flexibility and limits rotation during the congested festive period.

With fine margins likely to decide the title, Arteta must manage fitness, minutes, and recovery as carefully as he handles tactics on the pitch.

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