Kai Havertz forced off with injury vs Newcastle in worrying blow for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal were dealt a huge injury blow in the Premier League clash with Newcastle United

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal were dealt a major injury blow when Kai Havertz limped off during their Premier League clash with Newcastle United. The German, who has only made eight appearances in the top flight before today, has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign.

Havertz has not long returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He picked up a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai last February.

He needed surgery and returned just before the end of the campaign. However, he was dealt another long-term setback, picking up a knee injury on the opening day of the season, which kept him out for four months.

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The German featured in Arsenal’s last five Premier League games and started up front against the Magpies, setting up Eberechi Eze for the opening goal of the game.

However, his joy was short lived. In the 32nd minute he dropped to the turf and needed treatment from the physios before they signalled to the bench.

Viktor Gyokeres came on to replace the German just two minutes later, in a disappointing setback for the Gunners and Arteta.

Arsenal knew the clash against Newcastle was a must-win game if they wanted to reclaim top spot in the Premier League title race after Manchester City defeated Burnley in midweek.

Pep Guardiola’s side were in action against Southampton in the FA Cup, leaving Arteta’s men with a golden opportunity to stake their claim.

Speaking ahead of the game this weekend, Arteta said: “The energy has raised, the belief has raised. The clarity of what we have to do, it cannot be better.

“Five games to go, four weeks. Two big competitions, and everything to play for. Tomorrow is game one. We are all in. Let’s go for it.

“If somebody would have told us at the beginning of the season this is where we would have been, we would have taken it. Win tomorrow, and then we will be much closer.

“You have to put it on the table, and you have to make it happen. We know what is at stake, how much we fought for this with our people, and now we have to do it on the pitch. Go and grab it.”