Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will miss an extended period after suffering a muscular injury, ruling him out of the February 22nd North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old Germany international is expected to sit out upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Wigan Athletic, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Havertz only returned to action last month following a lengthy absence that consumed most of 2025. He contributed two goals and two assists across his previous four appearances before the setback.

The injury adds to Arsenal's mounting personnel concerns. Manager Mikel Arteta is already without Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Max Dowman for upcoming matches.

Merino's situation presents particular challenges given Havertz's recent deployment in midfield. The Spanish midfielder underwent foot surgery and faces a three-to-five-month recovery timeline, according to Arteta.

"The doctors were really happy with the way it went," Arteta said Wednesday regarding Merino's procedure. "The time frame we're talking about is months, whether it's three, four or five, I don't know."

Havertz's injury history includes a torn right hamstring sustained during Arsenal's February 2025 Dubai training camp. He required surgery and returned briefly before missing five additional months with a knee problem suffered in August.

Medical staff do not believe the current muscular issue matches the severity of his previous injuries. The forward has effectively lost a full year to various ailments.

Havertz rejoined the Arsenal squad December 30 against Aston Villa but remained on the bench. He made his competitive return January 11 in the FA Cup against Portsmouth, playing over 20 minutes.

His first start came in Champions League action against Kairat Almaty, where he scored and assisted despite playing only the first half. Havertz later delivered a crucial late winner against former club Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final on February 3.

The versatile attacker started Arsenal's last two Premier League matches against Leeds United and Sunderland, assisting Viktor Gyokeres' opening goal Saturday before his 67th-minute substitution.