Arsenal’s challenging week took another difficult turn as Kai Havertz suffered a nasty head injury during their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan at the San Siro, though manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about the forward’s availability for Sunday’s crucial London derby against Chelsea.
The German international was involved in a fierce aerial challenge with compatriot Yann Bisseck in the closing stages of Wednesday’s match, resulting in a concerning scene as blood poured from a head wound. The incident forced Arteta to withdraw Havertz from the field, adding to Arsenal’s growing list of concerns following consecutive 1-0 defeats.
However, in his post-match press conference, Arteta offered reassurance about the 25-year-old’s condition. “Kai Havertz had a big cut and hopefully he will be OK for the weekend,” the Spanish manager stated, suggesting the injury might not be as severe as initially feared when Havertz left the pitch.
The incident wasn’t the only head-related concern for Arsenal during the match. Summer signing Mikel Merino also required attention after a collision with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Arteta explained the precautionary nature of Merino’s substitution, saying, “No, he was not concussed, yesterday he was not feeling great and I decided to take him off as I needed him 100%.”
These injury concerns come at a particularly challenging time for the Gunners, who are experiencing their most difficult spell of the season. The defeat in Milan marked their second consecutive 1-0 loss, following their controversial Premier League setback against Newcastle United. The team has managed just two victories in their last six matches across all competitions, raising questions about their ability to maintain their early-season momentum.
The timing of these injuries and the dip in form is especially concerning with a high-stakes London derby against Chelsea looming this Sunday. The match at Stamford Bridge represents more than just local rivalry; it’s an opportunity for Arsenal to regain their footing in the Premier League title race. The potential availability of Havertz adds an intriguing subplot to the fixture, as the forward will be returning to face his former club if cleared to play.
Havertz’s potential involvement against his former employers would add another layer of narrative to an already compelling matchup. The German’s £65 million summer move from Chelsea to Arsenal was one of the transfer window’s most discussed deals, and his presence – or absence – could significantly impact Arsenal’s attacking options for the crucial fixture.
The recent results have highlighted Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal, with the team failing to score in their last two outings. Havertz’s availability could be crucial in addressing this scoring drought, particularly given his familiarity with Chelsea’s defensive setup from his time at Stamford Bridge.
For Arteta, managing these injury concerns while attempting to reverse his team’s current form represents perhaps his most significant challenge of the season thus far. The Arsenal manager must balance the immediate need for results with the long-term health of his players, particularly in cases involving head injuries where proper protocols must be followed.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Havertz can feature against his former club, with medical staff likely to monitor his condition closely. While Arteta’s initial assessment suggests optimism, the final decision will ultimately depend on how the player responds to treatment and whether he can safely return to action.
As Arsenal prepare for their short trip across London to face Chelsea, they’ll be hoping that both Havertz and Merino can recover in time to help the team return to winning ways. With the Premier League title race remaining incredibly tight, the Gunners can ill afford another setback in what promises to be a pivotal fixture in their campaign.
