Havertz returns to Arsenal early after hamstring injury forces him out of Germany squad

Kai Havertz has been released from Germany’s squad and is returning to Arsenal for treatment after suffering a hamstring muscle strain during the 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday.

The 27-year-old forward limped off in the 30th minute of the match — Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge of the German national team — and was replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib. A scan carried out after the final whistle confirmed the injury, and the German FA subsequently announced he would leave the squad early.

Havertz had been caught by a heavy challenge from Crystal Palace summer signing Quinten Timber moments before going off, a foul that earned the midfielder a yellow card. Whether the knee contact contributed to the hamstring problem has not been specified by the German FA.

In a statement, the DFB confirmed: “Havertz, of Arsenal, suffered a muscle strain during Germany’s 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in their UEFA Nations League opener on Thursday and had to be substituted in the 30th minute.”

The injury is a concern for Arsenal, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. Havertz missed five months of last season with a knee problem but had started all five of the club’s Premier League matches this season, holding off competition from Viktor Gyokeres for a place in Mikel Arteta’s attack.

Also departing Klopp’s first camp is Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala, who did not feature against the Netherlands at all after pulling out during the pre-match warm-up with a torn muscle fibre in his right thigh. The DFB confirmed the injury was identified through examinations late on Thursday evening.

Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture is at home to Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 11 October, the first game back after the international break.