Arsenal Omit Kai Havertz at Bournemouth as Planned Load Management
Club guidance frames the omission as precautionary following a months-long knee layoff.
Overview
- Havertz was not named in the squad for the Jan. 3 match at Bournemouth after being included against Aston Villa in his first step back.
- Sam Blitz of Sky Sports reported there was no setback, describing the call as load management rather than a fresh issue.
- The Germany international has been returning from a knee injury sustained on the opening day, having missed several months and experienced a minor November setback.
- Arsenal had a striker and a backup striker available, reducing the need to include Havertz for this fixture.
- Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3–2 to remain top of the Premier League, maintaining flexibility to phase Havertz’s minutes.