Arsenal’s Kai Havertz is facing renewed uncertainty after suffering what has been described as a minor relapse in his ongoing recovery from a series of injuries that have plagued him throughout 2025.

Havertz originally sustained a significant hamstring injury during Arsenal’s winter training camp in Dubai earlier this year — an issue that ultimately required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024–25 campaign. While undergoing rehab, the German international was widely praised for transforming his physique, adding muscle and improving acceleration metrics that impressed Arsenal’s medical staff.

However, the road back has been anything but smooth. In the opening match of the 2025–26 season, Havertz picked up a knee injury, forcing him into another minor surgical procedure. Manager Mikel Arteta has stressed caution throughout the recovery process, warning that the priority is ensuring Havertz returns “for the long term” without risking a relapse.

Recent comments out of Germany added to the concern, with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann reportedly noting that Havertz experienced a “small relapse” during recovery. While the setback is not believed to be severe, it is enough for Arsenal to further slow his return timeline.

The club remains hopeful that Havertz could be back before the end of the year, but with two significant injuries in quick succession — and the inherent risk of reinjury — Arsenal’s approach has shifted firmly toward long-term protection rather than rushing him back into action.