Arsenal has confirmed that forward Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s Dubai training camp. The 25-year-old will require surgery and is expected to begin his rehabilitation program, which will extend into pre-season preparations for next season.

Havertz’s absence will leave Arsenal without a recognized striker for the remainder of the season. The German forward has made 34 appearances this season, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists. His injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of absentees, including Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to face questions about Havertz’s injury layoff at Friday’s news conference before his side takes on Leicester City on Saturday. Arteta had expressed disappointment at the lack of activity in the January transfer window, with the club failing to sign attacking reinforcements.

“We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week. Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.” the club statement read.

The injury to Havertz will put additional pressure on Arsenal’s squad, particularly with the team’s hopes of competing for a trophy still alive. Arteta had suggested that Havertz might have to start every game for the rest of the season, but those plans have now been derailed.

Arsenal is currently second in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The team will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final. With Havertz’s injury, Arteta will need to rely on his other attacking options to keep the team’s title hopes alive.

The loss of Havertz is a significant blow to Arsenal’s chances of winning silverware this season. However, the team will be hoping that their other players can step up and fill the void left by the injured German forward.