Kai Havertz has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League showdown with Fulham this weekend.
The Germany international was named in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for his side’s biggest game of the season against Manchester City two weeks ago.
He kept his place in the side against Newcastle United but a groin injury forced him off after 34 minutes with Viktor Gyokeres restored up front midweek in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
While it is hoped Havertz can still have a role to play in the final weeks of the season, the former Chelsea star will miss the visit of the Cottagers this weekend.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta confirmed his forward is not available.
‘He’s been a huge miss,’ Arteta said of his forward.
‘We are talking about one of the most important attacking players that we have and he’s not been the only one. The team has shown an incredible capacity to respond without him.’
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Is Martin Odegaard injured again?
Martin Odegaard meanwhile was replaced before the hour mark at the Wanda Metropolitano, sparking concern over a recent knee injury back in his homeland.
The Norway international returned from his latest issue earlier this month, playing the full 90 minutes against City and Newcastle United before starting again against Atletico on Wednesday night.
Odegaard is now a doubt for Saturday’s game with Arteta telling reporters’ ‘we will see’ when asked for an update on his fitness.
Jurrien Timber injury latest
Jurrien Timber meanwhile has not featured since the victory over Everton in mid-March.
What was initially hoped to be a minor groin injury has now sidelined the Dutchman for nine games.
Timber remains out for Saturday’s game alongside Havertz.