Arsenal forward forced off after 30 minutes on Germany duty

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Kai Havertz lasted just 30 minutes of Germany's Nations League meeting with the Netherlands on Thursday night before being withdrawn with an injury concern.

The Arsenal forward was handed a start for Jurgen Klopp's first game in charge of the national team, but his evening was cut short after he was caught on the knee by a raised foot from Quinten Timber — the twin brother of his Arsenal teammate Jurrien.

Havertz received treatment on the pitch from Germany's medical staff and was able to walk off without assistance before being replaced by Younes Ebnoutalib. He then headed straight down the tunnel, with television cameras picking him up walking freely down a set of stairs towards the dressing room.

No official update yet

There has been no confirmation from Germany or Arsenal on the severity of the problem, and the fact the 27-year-old was moving without any obvious discomfort will temper the immediate concern. As Metro noted, it is the first injury worry to emerge for the Gunners during this international break.

Havertz was not the only player forced off early in Rotterdam. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, who scored a hat-trick in the Black Cats' 5-3 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, also went off in the first half with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

Arsenal back in action on October 10

The timing at least gives Arsenal's medical department room to work. Mikel Arteta's side are not back in action until the Premier League resumes next month, with Leeds United the visitors to the Emirates Stadium on October 10.

That gives Havertz more than two weeks to recover before the Gunners return to domestic duty, though much will depend on what the scans — if any are required — reveal in the coming days. Germany still have further Nations League commitments during this window, and it remains to be seen whether Klopp will have the forward available.

Arsenal head into the October fixtures sitting second in the Premier League table, three points adrift of leaders Manchester City. The reigning champions were beaten 3-0 by Brighton last Saturday, a result that allowed City to open up that gap at the summit.

Havertz's versatility has made him a regular fixture in Arteta's plans since his arrival from Chelsea, with the German capable of operating through the middle as a striker or dropping into midfield depending on the shape. Any prolonged absence would reduce Arteta's options in the final third just as the schedule begins to thicken.

Attention now turns to Germany's camp for clarity on the extent of the knock, with Arsenal supporters awaiting word from the club once the international break concludes.