Havertz was substituted in the 35th minute of Arsenal’s win over Newcastle Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has played down concerns about the injuries suffered by Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
The two players — who have been sidelined for significant spells this season — combined for the winning goal, only to feel strains quickly afterwards.
Havertz was replaced by Viktor Gyokeres in the 35th minute and appeared upset as he walked off the pitch. The Germany international sustained a torn hamstring last year and a knee injury on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 Premier League season in August, but has started Arsenal’s last two league games.
“They are muscular niggles, we don’t think it’s too much,” Mikel Arteta said in his post-match press conference. “We have to wait and see if they’re going to be available for Wednesday.”
Eze felt discomfort early in the second half, but indications are that his withdrawal in the 54th minute was more precautionary.
Arsenal have a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid coming up on Wednesday, followed by another chance to put more space between them and Manchester City in the Premier League against Fulham next weekend.
With that in mind it was a relief to see Bukayo Saka return to action for the latter stages of the game. “He’s back, I think he looks sharp, he looks good, he looks fresh,” said Arteta. “You certainly notice something different in the team, in the stadium as well when he comes in, so we certainly need that. Let’s see how he reacts tomorrow, how he absorbs the load, but he’s so keen, he’s so motivated.”
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