Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has pulled out of Germany's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures in October due to a knee injury.

The former Chelsea player has been in excellent form at the start of the 2024/25 season, contributing to Arsenal's strong start in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Havertz scored his fourth goal in as many matches on Saturday, equalising in Arsenal's eventual 3-1 victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

This marked his sixth goal for the club across all competitions this season, but manager Mikel Arteta will be anxious over Havertz's fitness in the coming weeks, with Arsenal set to continue their title campaign away at Bournemouth later this month.

A statement on X from the Germany national team read: "Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems."

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta spoke highly of Havertz following the 3-1 win, stating: "When he's training, he always wants more, and he's not satisfied with what he's doing because I believe there's another level in him. He's surrounded by exceptional players, but something has shifted in him. You can really feel that confidence now, and he's translating that into his performances, which is fantastic."

Arsenal were without several key first-team players on Saturday, with Jurrien Timber and Ben White missing from the squad. However, both defenders are hopeful of being available once club football resumes, and captain Martin Ødegaard is also expected to return towards the end of October.

There were some positive fitness developments, as summer signing Mikel Merino made his second appearance for Arsenal, and Takehiro Tomiyasu featured for the first time this season.