Arsenal’s Havertz Out for North London Derby vs Tottenham 2026

Key Points

• Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s German forward, has suffered a new minor muscular injury, expected to sideline him for a number of weeks.
• He is set to miss the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on February 22, 2026, along with at least Arsenal’s next four matches.​
• Havertz returned to action in January 2026 after missing most of the season due to a knee injury sustained in August 2025, following prior hamstring surgery in February 2025.
• Since his return, Havertz has been in fine form with four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) in his last four appearances, including a goal against Kairat Almaty and an assist against Sunderland.​
• Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Havertz’s importance, stating after a recent match: “The team knows how important Kai is for us, and how he can help the team to be much better and take the team to a different level. The fact he was able today to do that after such a long time is very impressive. Bring him on board and make sure that now we use him in the right way because he’s going to be very important.”​
• This injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of concerns: fitness doubts over Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard ahead of the Brentford match; Mikel Merino out for three to five months after foot surgery; Max Dowman nearing return from ankle injury in about a week.
• Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023, has been deployed in a deeper role supporting Viktor Gyokeres, enhancing both players’ performances.​
• The north London derby pits title-chasing Arsenal against now-managerless Tottenham, following Thomas Frank’s dismissal amid a winless streak.
• Standard Sport understands the injury is minor but could keep Havertz out for weeks, delivering a considerable blow to Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title push.​

North LondonArsenal handed fresh injury blow as Kai Havertz set to miss derby (North London News) February 14, 2026 – Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback ahead of a crucial Premier League clash, with forward Kai Havertz ruled out due to a fresh muscular injury. The German international, who has been pivotal in recent matches, is expected to miss the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on February 22. This development compounds the Gunners’ injury woes as manager Mikel Arteta navigates a tight title race.

What Caused Kai Havertz’s Latest Injury?

As reported by Standard Sport journalists, Kai Havertz has encountered recurring fitness issues this season. The 26-year-old underwent surgery for a knee injury in August 2025, which sidelined him for much of the campaign, following a hamstring tear requiring surgery in February 2025. He made a promising return in January 2026, featuring in Arsenal’s last four outings with notable contributions.

The New York Times’ Athletic coverage details that this new muscular injury struck after Havertz assisted Viktor Gyokeres’ opener in a recent Premier League win over Sunderland, where he was substituted after 67 minutes. Sources indicate it is minor, but sufficient to rule him out for several weeks. ESPN reporters note the exact nature remains unclear, though muscular problems are confirmed, with Havertz already absent for Thursday’s trip to Brentford.

Sky Sports journalist Sam Blitz reports the injury will sideline Havertz for at least four matches, emphasising its timing just before the derby.​

How Serious Is Havertz’s Muscular Injury?

Standard Sport understands the injury to be a minor muscular strain, potentially keeping Havertz out for a number of weeks rather than months. This contrasts with his prior severe knee and hamstring problems, which required surgery and extended rehabilitation. The Athletic confirms it is not as grave as previous setbacks, allowing hope for a swifter recovery.

Mikel Arteta provided reassurance earlier in the season on Havertz’s fitness trajectory, as covered by Yahoo Sports, stating the forward was “very close” to full fitness after knee concerns. However, this relapse underscores ongoing vulnerability. Football.london updates highlight Arsenal’s cautious approach, prioritising long-term health amid a congested schedule.

Which Matches Will Kai Havertz Miss?

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz explicitly states Havertz is set to miss Arsenal’s next four games, including the north London derby on February 22. This encompasses the Brentford away fixture, potential cup ties, and league encounters leading into the Spurs clash.​

ESPN sources confirm his absence for the derby, with the muscular issue already benching him against Brentford. Ground News aggregates that while other stars like Odegaard face late tests, Havertz’s timeline is firmer. The Athletic adds he netted against Kairat Almaty and scored a late winner versus Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final, but now faces another spell out.

What Is the Impact on Arsenal’s Title Charge?

This blow is considerable for Mikel Arteta, who is pressing for the Premier League crown, as noted by Standard Sport. Arsenal hold a slender lead—recent Opta projections via Football.london forecast 82 points to win, seven ahead of Manchester City. A full squad is vital, especially with the derby pivotal for momentum.

The Athletic reports Arsenal’s strong form post-Havertz’s return, but injuries threaten consistency. Arteta’s deployment of Havertz deeper behind Gyokeres has unlocked the best from both, making his absence keenly felt in a setup driving title aspirations.​

Who Else Is Injured at Arsenal?

Arteta is sweating over Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard, per Standard Sport and Sky Sports. Trossard impressed with an assist at Sunderland before a late withdrawal; Saka targets February 22 return; Odegaard faces a late Brentford test after 18 league games with one goal and four assists.

Mikel Merino underwent foot fracture surgery last month, out for three to five months, Arteta confirmed to Ground News: doctors are happy, but healing is prolonged. Youngster Max Dowman is a week from ankle recovery return, as per Arteta’s updates in Football.london. Earlier, Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho featured in recovery timelines, but current focus remains on the seniors.

What Did Mikel Arteta Say About Kai Havertz?

Arteta has repeatedly hailed Havertz’s value. After his goal against Kairat—his first in nearly a year—the Spaniard told reporters, as quoted by Standard Sport and The Athletic:

“The team knows how important Kai is for us, and how he can help the team to be much better and take the team to a different level. The fact he was able today to do that after such a long time is very impressive. Bring him on board and make sure that now we use him in the right way because he’s going to be very important.”​

Yahoo Sports covered Arteta allaying fears in January: Havertz is “very close” to full fitness post-knee issue. SI.com reported pre-season praise: “‘Unbelievable,’ Arteta said… We know how important Kai is for us,” crediting medical staff and Havertz’s record-shattering recovery metrics. On his tactical role, Arteta noted the deeper position suits him alongside Gyokeres.

What Is the Context of the North London Derby?

The February 22 derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises intensity, as previewed by Sports Pass London. Arsenal, unbeaten in six prior Premier League derbies (winning five), enter as favourites amid title push; Spurs languish in 16th, five points from relegation.

Football.london reports Tottenham are now managerless post-Thomas Frank’s sacking after a winless streak—their worst since 2008—fans booing amid defeats like 2-1 to Newcastle. An interim coach faces a nightmare start without captain Cristian Romero (four-game ban). ESPN notes Arsenal’s three straight derby wins, the best since 1987-89.

How Has Kai Havertz Performed Recently for Arsenal?

Since January return, Havertz tallied four contributions in four games. Highlights: player of the match vs Kairat (goal, assist, first half only); late Carabao Cup winner vs Chelsea (February 3); starts vs Leeds and Sunderland (assist). FootyStats notes three PL appearances (158 minutes), one assist, high key passes (1.71/game).

Career-wise, StatMuse logs 32 PL goals/assists for Arsenal; recent form revived his impact post-injuries.​

What Are Arsenal’s Tactical Adjustments Without Havertz?

Arteta must rejig without his versatile forward, who links midfield to attack. Reliance shifts to Gyokeres up top, with midfielders covering deeper duties. Ground News suggests Odegaard’s creativity and Trossard’s flair could fill voids if fit. The Athletic stresses Havertz elevated the team “to another level,” demanding squad depth in title hunt.

Prior recoveries saw Arteta integrate him gradually, praising transformation as a striker via improved metrics. Against managerless Spurs, Arsenal eye bragging rights and points to solidify lead.​