Arsenal have reportedly suffered a serious injury blow as Kai Havertz is now a serious doubt for the Champions League semi-final following their valiant victory against Newcastle.
After hobbling off during the weekend’s Premier League action, the Germany international is now anticipated to miss the pivotal first-leg trip to Atletico Madrid.
Havertz To Miss UCL Semi-Final
The Athletic reports that Havertz will not play in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday at the Metropolitano.
The dynamic forward will miss the most important game of Arsenal’s season thus far due to an injury sustained during the victory at St. James’ Park.
Although preliminary evaluations have allayed concerns of a season-ending layoff, the 26-year-old is practically set to miss the first leg due to the short turnaround for the European match, leaving a huge gap in the starting lineup as they get ready to take on Diego Simeone’s tenacious Atletico team.
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Arsenal are still hopeful that the forward will contribute in the last few weeks of the Premier League title contest, though.
Havertz’s availability in the final stretch will be crucial as the Gunners try to fend off a tenacious Manchester City team in their quest for domestic glory.
Havertz’s injury coincides with pundits already doubting Arsenal’s depth and experience to handle two crucial competitions at once.
Neville Doubts Arsenal Will Make UCL Final
Gary Neville has speculated that the Gunners may not make it to the Budapest final because of the psychological and physical strain of the title battle, particularly when important players are currently in the treatment room.
“A lot of these players don’t know how to win a Champions League, but they’ve been so close in the title race and they’ll be so desperate not to fall short in that,” the former Manchester United captain said on The Gary Neville Podcast as reported by Goal.
“I do think that Mikel Arteta has to go for every single game and not prioritise any over the other, but he knows that the Premier League is the one that’s easier to win than the Champions League right now…
“I don’t see them getting past Atlético Madrid and the other teams in the semifinal, but I do see them having a chance with the league.”
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