Arsenal fans think they’ve worked out the reason for Kai Havertz’s omission from international duty.
After sealing three points against Southampton, Arsenal will bid farewell to their stars as the October international break commences.
The Gunners will head into the October break with confidence having maintained their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 calendar after a testing run of games.
Mikel Arteta’s side have overcome a host of challenges already this season, with another big test coming for those on international duty.
Aside from wanting to perform well for their respective nations, the player’s will be eager to return to North London fit and ready to resume the domestic schedule, with the September international break bringing fear to the Emirates.
In the previous break in play, Arsenal lost captain Martin Odegaard to an ankle injury and also saw Riccardo Calafiori withdraw due to a knock.
Arteta’s main concern is the fitness of his squad whilst away on duty, with two players already confirmed to be staying put in North London.
Arsenal fans have a theory about Kai Havertz’s injury scare
Jurrien Timber has been left out of the Netherlands squad after coming off injured during Arsenal’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Having the Dutchman rested for the next two weeks will come as a relief to Arteta, who has seen just how impactful the fullback is in the squad.
Joining Timber to sit out the international break is Kai Havertz, who has been it hot form this term.
It was confirmed that Havertz will miss the international break due to a knee injury, which surprisingly doesn’t seem to have concerned Arsenal fans.
Some supporters are under the impression that Havertz is not actually injured, and that Arteta is keen to keep the German at home instead of featuring for his country.
“Arteta’s a genius,” one suspecting fan said, to which another agreed, “Odegaard’s injury enlightened Arteta. I love this.”
It didn’t take long for the ‘dark arts’ claims to recirculate after the news of Havertz’s withdrawal from the Germany squad, with some crediting Arteta for being behind the update.
“Dark Arts FC, I like it,” a fan said, while another called on the manager to repeat the theory with other star players.
“Fantastic! My club is now playing the game too. Now withdraw Saka too cus he has toothache.”
“Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Ricardo Calafiori and Gabriel Maghalhaes should all withdraw to recover from their various injuries as well.”
“Make it happen Arteta,” another supporter said, jumping on the theory that the boss is behind Havertz’s withdrawal.
“Now that’s how to go about it. Yessss. I love it. Best player to stop from going for international duties is Saka. Make it happen Arteta.”
The reason behind the theory is not only the importance of Havertz, but also the panic that Arteta experienced in September due to Odegaard’s injury.
One supporter said, “Mikel has learnt from his mistake, nothing is stopping this man and this team.”
“Dark Arts written all over it. Up the Arteta,” another fan said, sharing the same belief.
Arsenal need Havertz fit for the tests ahead
If what fans are thinking is true, then Arteta is incredibly smart, with the prospect of losing Havertz something of a nightmare.
The German is integral to Arsenal’s set-up, not only for his clinical nature in front of goal, but because of his stature, seeing him act as the Gunners’ target man all over the pitch.
- READ MORE: Kai Havertz just equalled the stunning feat of one 132-goal former Arsenal star against Southampton
From goals to duel winning to playmaking, Havertz has it all in the rich vein of form he’s currently in, something that can’t be disrupted by injury.
After seeing what the September international break did to Odegaard, Arteta might have had some reservations over sending his star striker away on duty although, the theory remains as a fan-fuelled narrative.
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