Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta once described Kai Havertz as a "genetic powerhouse" and a "robust" player who has "destroyed metrics in the gym." But this season, the Gunners have rarely seen that powerhouse on the pitch.

The 26-year-old Germany forward has been limited to just 20 appearances in a campaign disrupted by injuries. It started with a hamstring injury during a winter training camp in Dubai in February 2025, requiring surgery and keeping him out for three months. Just as he was getting back to full fitness, a knee injury suffered in the opening-day win against Manchester United in August sidelined him for another four months after surgery.

Even after recovering from the knee injury, Havertz has faced two more setbacks. The latest ruled him out of Arsenal's 1-1 Champions League semi-final first-leg draw at Atletico Madrid. He has completed only one full game all season—the 2-1 defeat to title rivals Manchester City last month.

The Gunners signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64 million in the summer, with the intention of having both players compete for the starting striker role. But Havertz's absence has left Arsenal's attack looking thin, drawing criticism for their reliance on set-piece goals and a lack of fluidity in open play.

Havertz himself has admitted this season "isn't what I expected it to be," describing it as "stop and start." He added that going through a major injury is a new challenge he "hasn't really faced before." The disappointment was clear when he was taken off after just 34 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 win against Newcastle United.

Despite the setbacks, Havertz remains one of Arteta's favorite players both on and off the pitch. The manager values his ability to link play and create chances—something Arsenal have sorely missed. As the season winds down, the big question is whether Havertz can rediscover his form and stay fit to become the dominant force Arteta believes he can be.