Arsenal confirmed on Thursday that forward Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury, delivering a major blow to their Premier League title ambitions.

The 25-year-old Germany international sustained the injury during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai. In a statement, Arsenal outlined the severity of the setback:

“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. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.”

The Gunners, who have finished as Premier League runners-up in the past two seasons, currently trail leaders Liverpool by seven points with 14 games remaining.

Manager Mikel Arteta now faces a significant selection dilemma, particularly after Arsenal failed to strengthen their attacking options in the January transfer window. The club’s attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last month was unsuccessful.

Havertz had been expected to lead the line for the rest of the campaign, especially with Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last month. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has been out since December but could return next month after joining the squad in Dubai.

Further compounding Arsenal’s issues, Gabriel Martinelli is set for a spell on the sidelines after being forced off in the League Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle last week.

With Havertz and Martinelli out, Arsenal’s forward options are now limited to Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri as they push for a strong finish in the title race.