Breaking: Arsenal issue huge Kai Havertz injury update as statement released

Arsenal have released a statement confirming that Kai Havertz has undergone surgery after suffering a knee issue in the 1-0 win over Manchester United on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The Germany international replaced Viktor Gyokeres - making his competitive debut - just after the hour mark at Old Trafford and appeared to pick up the issue in the closing stages following a foul by Manuel Ugarte.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was far from optimistic in his update last week after he completely ruled the Germany international out of featuring against Leeds United.

"We don't really know yet the extent of it," he said. "I think we need a bit more time and some more tests and - after that - we will have more clarity about the next steps. Now, he's got a setback, let's see how bad it is."

The course of action being taken has now been revealed with Arsenal issuing a club statement on Havertz.

"Further to sustaining a knee injury after our recent game against Manchester United on 17 August, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews with Kai confirmed that surgery would be required," a statement posted on Arsenal's official website read.

"Today, Kai underwent a successful minor surgical procedure. He will shortly begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."

Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard have also picked up injuries though the latter could still feature against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The same cannot be said for Saka however, with the 23-year-old set for a month out of action.

It is perhaps no surprise that he will be forced to miss a number of games given Arteta's comments last weekend.

"Bukayo, while he was running with the ball, carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring. So let's see. I think it's the other one. It's not the same one as the previous injury," he admitted in a press conference.

"He felt something while he was sprinting. That's never a good sign.

"We'll have to wait tomorrow [Sunday]. Speak to the doctors as well and understand better what he does. But he's had these injuries before. He knows exactly the feeling of that. So let's wait."

Gabriel Jesus, Ben White and Christian Norgaard are the other Arsenal players currently unavailable. Despite five players potentially missing, the Gunners' summer business will help soften the blow with Noni Madueke ready to replace Saka on the right and Eberechi Eze in contention to make his debut

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