Arsenal legend Martin Keown has voiced his deep concern regarding Kai Havertz’s ongoing injury struggles, identifying the German forward’s absence as a critical factor in the Gunners’ recent stumble. Following a shocking 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night, Keown argued that the North Londoners missed the unique composure and game-deciding quality that Havertz provides. The former defender expressed his frustration that such an “important” figure remains sidelined just as the Premier League title race enters its most pressurized phase.
The league leaders appeared set for a routine victory at Molineux after Bukayo Saka ignited the scoring within the opening five minutes. Piero Hincapié doubled the advantage before the interval, seemingly securing the points for Mikel Arteta’s side against a Wolves team that has struggled all season, languishing at the bottom of the table with a mere ten points from 27 fixtures. However, the visitors’ lack of clinical edge allowed the hosts to mount a spirited comeback, eventually surrendering the lead in a result that severely threatens Arsenal’s championship momentum.
“I’ll like to see Kai Havertz return. He’s becoming perhaps too important because he has been injured once more. That’s not his fault, but it’s been really tough,” Keown remarked during his post-match analysis. He further emphasized the psychological void left by the forward, stating, “You need to get people back because it hurts the group. You need that match-winner, someone who gives everyone belief and puts the game out of sight.”
The collapse began when Hugo Bueno clinical strike gave the “Old Gold” a lifeline with half an hour remaining. As Arsenal’s intensity waned, the bottom-of-the-table side intensified their pressure, culminating in a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Tom Edozie. Keown believes that a fit Havertz would have provided the necessary “game-winning ability” to kill off the contest earlier, noting that the current squad appears to lack the aggression required to maintain their lead when the tide turns.
With a high-stakes North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur scheduled for this Sunday, the availability of key personnel has become a primary concern for the Arsenal faithful. While Arteta remains hopeful that Havertz might return to the squad for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Keown’s comments highlight a growing anxiety that the forward’s recurring muscular issues are undermining the team’s stability. The Gunners must now find a way to rediscover their killer instinct, with or without their influential German star, to prevent Manchester City from closing the gap at the summit.
