Arsenal are worried about Kai Havertz's long-term fitness, as his wait to start a match for only the second time this season goes on. Havertz, 26, suffered a knee injury on the opening day in August and he hasn't been named in the starting line-up since.

Having had surgery, the forward returned to training in November and was close to return to Arsenal's matchday squad. But a setback in the last phase of his rehab forced Havertz to wait until late December to be named on the bench.

In their next match, however, Havertz were nowhere to be seen. The Germany international has since made two substitute appearances in cup competitions, although he remained on the bench for Tuesday's 3-1 win away to Inter Milan, as he did for the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

The Mail report that Havertz's battle is far from over, with Arsenal needing to manage his minutes in order to give him the best chance of making a full recovery. It's added that in November, the former Chelsea star actually suffered ligament damage to the same knee which was close to healing.

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Arsenal's medical team are being especially careful with Havertz, who's been pushing hard behind the scenes. The 26-year-old is desperate to play a role this season, as the Gunners fight for four trophies.

There's also a World Cup on the horizon, with Havertz having last played for his country in November 2024. That's because he missed a chunk of last season after tearing his hamstring.

Earlier this month, Arteta was asked if fans needed to temper their expectations given how long Havertz had been out for. "Yes, but I understand this is the level as well," the Arsenal manager explained.

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"And when a player has the chance to put our shirt on and compete for us, you know that the demands are excellence - and that's it. Kai is aware of that."

Previously, Arteta outlined how they were managing Havertz's load ahead of his return. "He's been out for a long time for two different reasons," the Gunners boss added. "Hopefully, we're going to have him available and the best version of himself."

Arsenal host Manchester United on Sunday for a reverse of the fixture in which Havertz suffered his injury. Fortunately for Arteta, his other options up front - Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres - both scored in Tuesday's victory.

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