Arsenal facing grim reality as Kai Havertz injury fears emerge during Dubai training camp

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Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of Kai Havertz amid a possible hamstring problem, talkSPORT understands.

The German picked up the suspected injury while on Arsenal's training trip to Dubai and will be assessed upon the club's return to the UK on Wednesday.

Havertz has become the latest Arsenal forward to pick up an injury

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Havertz has become the latest Arsenal forward to pick up an injuryCredit: Rex

With Havertz facing the possibility of a spell on the sidelines, it could leave Arsenal without a fit senior striker.

Despite criticism from fans over his finishing, Havertz is the Gunners' top scorer this season, netting 15 times in all competitions.

Nine of those have come in the Premier League, including two in his last three games.

Most importantly, he is consistently available, having missed just two games out of 36 this season.

An injury to Havertz is the last thing Gunners boss Arteta needs given he is already without attacking trio Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Jesus was stretchered off with an ACL injury during Arsenal's defeat to Manchester United in their FA Cup third round tie last month and is out for the season.

His Brazilian compatriot Martinelli sustained a hamstring injury during the second leg of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi final against Newcastle and is not expected to return until March at the earliest.

As for Saka, he underwent hamstring surgery in December after he tore the muscle in a 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Saka was, however, pictured participating in strength and conditioning training during the warm-weather camp in Dubai, suggesting a return to action is edging closer.

Arteta hopes to have his talisman back in March ahead of the home stretch in the Premier League and Champions League.

The German is Arsenal's top scorer this term

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The German is Arsenal's top scorer this termCredit: Rex

Arsenal sit six points behind league leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.

However, the Reds have the benefit of a game in hand and could stretch the gap to nine points should they beat Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday, live on talkSPORT.

As for the Champions League, Arsenal await either Juventus, PSV, Feyenoord or AC Milan in the round of 16, with the first leg of the tie due to be played on either March 4 or 5.

A major European trophy has proved elusive for the Gunners, with runners-up finishes in the Champions League and Europa League the closest they have come to tasting success.

With Havertz the latest forward to be injured, it makes Arteta's task of ending the European trophy drought all the more difficult.

The Gunners were linked with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko during the January transfer window but ultimately decided not to add another striker to their ranks.

Reflecting on the lack of signings, Arteta recently admitted Arsenal did not meet their targets for the window.

He said: “We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.

“We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring ­certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”

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