Confirmed: Kai Havertz ruled out for the season | OneFootball

Julian Nagelsmann and Germany’s worst fears have been thrust into reality this afternoon with conformation that Arsenal striker Kai Havertz will be out for the rest of the season, Sky Sports reports.

The news comes as a bitter blow to all parties with the 25-year-old set to undergo surgery in the coming days having picked up a severe injury in Arsenal’s Dubai training camp.

A statement from North London based club read that the German will commence a rehabilitation programme that “will probably extend into the preseason for next season”.

Die Mannschaft head coach Julian Nagelsmann offered Havertz his well-wishing earlier this afternoon.

"We wish Kai all the best for the operation and a good and speedy recovery. The news of the injury is very bitter and a bitter loss for us as a team. We will be there for him and always support him on his way back to the pitch," the 37-year-old boss said.

With compatriot and fellow marksman Niclas Fullkrug also on the sidelines, Julian Nagelsmann is under pressure to find a suitable replacement up top before Germany face Italy in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in March.

Havertz, who joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 before making the move to Arsenal in 2023, has 20 goals in 55 appearances for Germany to date.