Arsenal have been dealt another significant injury blow with forward Kai Havertz facing approximately one month on the sidelines due to a muscular injury.

The 26-year-old is now expected to miss the crucial North London derby against Tottenham on February 22, in what represents a frustrating setback for both player and club.

Havertz had only recently returned to action in January after missing the majority of 2025 through injury complications. Since his comeback, the versatile forward had featured in our last four games across all competitions, recording an impressive two goals and two assists.

The German made his first start of the 2025-26 season in the Champions League match against Kairat Almaty, where he scored and provided an assist despite only playing the first half. He also came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner against former club Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final on February 3.

With the latest injury setback, which will keep him out for about a month, Havertz is set to miss a crucial run of fixtures:

Havertz's absence is particularly problematic given our current injury situation. Mikel Merino underwent a surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot and will be back to full training only in late April or early May, effectively ruling him out or the remainder of the domestic season.

We are also dealing with fitness issues of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Max Dowman.

Havertz has primarily been deployed in midfield in recent weeks, making his absence even more significant given Merino's extended layoff. His ability to play as a striker, false nine, or advanced midfielder has been a valuable asset for Arteta in managing squad rotation.

With Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus competing for the striker position, Havertz's ability to provide cover in multiple positions will be sorely missed during this congested fixture period.

The timing of Havertz's injury is particularly unfortunate given the significance of the upcoming North London derby. We won the first meeting of the season 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium courtesy of an Eberechi Eze hat-trick. Leandro Trossard also found the net, while Richarlison scored a consolation for Spurs.

The second derby takes place during what could be the most congested and crucial period of our calendar, with the fixture sandwiched between potential Champions League playoff legs and falling just six days before Chelsea's visit on March 1.

Tottenham have sacked their manager Thomas Frank today and will have a new head coach, potentially adding extra unpredictability to the derby atmosphere. Spurs will also have two weeks to prepare for the match after being eliminated from the FA Cup. In contrast, we will travel to Molineux just four days before the derby.

While Havertz's current injury is not expected to be as serious as his previous hamstring and knee issues, the timing remains frustrating for a player who had just rediscovered his rhythm and form. His expected month-long absence means he could potentially return for fixtures in mid-to-late March.

The onus will be now on the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Eze to step up and help the club successfully navigate February's fixture congestion and continue the fight to end our Premier League title drought and secure silverware this season.