Kai Havertz undergoes knee surgery but Arsenal confident in swift recovery

By Philip Duncan, PA

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has undergone surgery on his knee – but the club hope he will not face a sustained period on the sidelines.

Havertz was absent for Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Leeds at the Emirates last Saturday with an injury he sustained in the wake of his side’s opening-weekend victory at Manchester United.

The Germany international has undergone what Arsenal have described as a “minor surgical procedure”. However, it is understood Havertz could be missing for weeks rather than months.

Havertz, 26, was sidelined for three months last season following hamstring surgery.

A statement from Arsenal read: “Further to sustaining a knee injury after our recent game against Manchester United on 17 August, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews with Kai confirmed that surgery would be required.

“Today, Kai underwent a successful minor surgical procedure. He will shortly begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

Havertz’s injury accelerated Arsenal’s move to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace for an initial fee of £60million.

Eze was presented to the Emirates crowd prior to Arsenal’s victory against Leeds and is primed to make his debut against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

As well as being without Havertz for the trip to face the Premier League champions, manager Mikel Arteta is also unable to call on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard after they sustained hamstring and ankle injuries respectively against Leeds.

Christian Norgaard and Ben White are also injury doubts, while Gabriel Jesus remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.