-
Kai Havertz injury update issued by Mikel Arteta after Arsenal star is left with blood pouring from his head during Champions League defeat to Inter
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided clarity on the conditions of Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino following both players’ head injuries in Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at San Siro.
The match, part of the Champions League group stage, saw Havertz sustain a serious head wound after a collision with Inter defender Yann Bisseck late in the game.
Havertz and Bisseck both leapt for an aerial ball, resulting in a clash that left both players on the ground. The impact forced Havertz off the pitch, and he was replaced with blood visibly streaming from a cut on his head.
When asked if Havertz would need time away from the field, Arteta responded, “Kai Havertz had a big cut and hopefully he will be OK for the weekend,” expressing optimism for a quick recovery.
Mikel Merino, a recent summer signing for Arsenal, also took a hit to the head after a challenge with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Arteta clarified that Merino’s substitution was primarily a precautionary measure. “No, he was not concussed,” Arteta explained. “Yesterday he was not feeling great, and I decided to take him off as I needed him 100%.”
This loss to Inter marked Arsenal’s second consecutive 1-0 defeat, following a similar result against Newcastle. The Gunners, having won only two of their last six matches across all competitions, are aiming to bounce back as they prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.