Kai Havertz leaves Germany camp with muscle injury as Arsenal forward returns for assessment

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has left the Germany national team camp and returned to north London to undergo assessment on a suspected muscle strain sustained during Thursday's Nations League clash against the Netherlands.

Havertz was forced off in the first half of Germany's 1-1 draw in Amsterdam after pulling up following a challenge from Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber. The 27-year-old was substituted for Younes Ebnoutalib and will miss the remainder of the international window to receive specialized treatment at Arsenal's training ground.

Germany manager Jurgen Klopp, who also lost Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala to a suspected thigh injury during the same match, confirmed both players were sent for scans.

"Both are currently undergoing an MRI," Klopp said. "I hope we get the diagnosis evening. But of course, this isn't great. I hope it's nothing serious. The lads are probably out for us. But hopefully, they'll be back in action relatively quickly."

Klopp has called up Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt as squad replacements for Germany's upcoming fixture.

Mikel Arteta's Forward Line Dilemma

Havertz has enjoyed an impactful start to the season for Arsenal, starting six of their opening eight fixtures in all competitions and finding the net three times. While the early indication is that the injury is not severe, the setback adds to growing concerns around his availability following previous knee and hamstring issues over the last two campaigns.

Arsenal now face a two-week window before resuming their Premier League schedule against Leeds on Saturday, October 10. Should Havertz face a spell on the sidelines, Mikel Arteta will look to Viktor Gyokeres as his primary central attacking alternative, with midfielder Mikel Merino also offering an option to lead the frontline.