Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are still awaiting the results of tests to determine the extent of Kai Havertz’s knee injury.
The Germany international is thought to have sustained the problem during his substitute appearance at Old Trafford on Sunday, with online sleuths pointing to a stoppage-time challenge by Manuel Ugarte as the likely cause.
Early suggestions are that Havertz could be sidelined for weeks, possibly months, although fears of a season-ending ACL injury have been played down.
Even so, it’s another setback for the striker, who underwent surgery on a torn hamstring in January and missed much of the 2024/25 run-in.
Facing the media ahead of Saturday’s game with Leeds United, Arteta said: “We don’t really know the extent of it. We need a bit more time and some more tests and after that we will have some more clarity.
“I prefer not to talk about the specifics but he is not fit. We need to explore this situation a bit further and decide what we are going to do.
“I don’t know [how long he will be out for]. I would love to have him available for tomorrow.”
At Arsenal’s open training session at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Ben White and Christian Norgaard were conspicuous by their absence.
That Jurrien Timber didn’t take part in all the drills also raised eyebrows.
“Christian Norgaard won’t be in the squad. Ben [White], let’s see,” revealed Arteta.
“Jurrien [Timber] we need to manage his load. That’s why we took him out of the main session at open training.”
A week into the season, and doubts over the fitness of four players, plus one still rehabbing from last season’s surgery. It’s not ideal.