Klopp fears Havertz hamstring blow as Arsenal face nine games in 27 days

Kai Havertz faces an anxious wait over a suspected hamstring injury after being forced off in the 30th minute of Germany’s 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw away to the Netherlands on Thursday, with Germany manager Jurgen Klopp confirming the Arsenal forward will undergo a scan.

Havertz, 27, was caught by a high challenge from Crystal Palace’s Quinten Timber — the brother of Havertz’s Arsenal team-mate Jurrien Timber — before being withdrawn early in the first half at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Germany were ultimately denied all three points when the Netherlands equalised in the 92nd minute.

Klopp, speaking after his first game in charge of the national side, also revealed that Jamal Musiala had felt a twinge in his thigh during the warm-up and would similarly be assessed. “Both will undergo scans tonight,” Klopp said. “They’re probably out for us, but I hope they’ll be back soon for their clubs.”

The timing is a concern for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Havertz had started all five of the Gunners’ Premier League fixtures this season, scoring three goals across all competitions, and his form had made him the undisputed first-choice striker ahead of Viktor Gyokeres. Last season was disrupted by injury, but Havertz returned strongly towards the end of the campaign, netting in the Champions League final.

Arteta has been effusive in his praise of the former Chelsea man. “Kai is extremely intelligent — that’s his biggest quality,” the Arsenal boss said recently. “He is five seconds ahead of the game and he just makes the people around him better. He is scoring goals, producing chances, his work rate is outstanding and he is in an outstanding emotional state.”

Arsenal’s schedule over the coming weeks makes Havertz’s fitness all the more critical. The Gunners face nine games in 27 days following the international break, including Champions League ties against Lille and Bayern Munich, as well as a Premier League visit from Leeds United on 10 October. Arteta’s side had won their opening four league games before Brighton hammered them 3-0 last Saturday, allowing Manchester City to move above them at the top of the table.

Havertz was only selected for two of Germany’s four fixtures during this international window, with Klopp opting to split his extended 44-man squad. Germany’s next game is at home to Greece on Sunday.