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Arsenal have discovered how long Kai Havertz could be sidelined due to injury. The 25-year-old forward has played a key role in Mikel Arteta's side so far this season, helping the Gunners lay the foundations for another title race.

Havertz, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2028, has featured seven times in the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing one assist. The Germany international has also contributed in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, netting against Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers respectively.

In fact, this term, he's started – and finished without fail – nine out of a possible 10 games. After such an action-packed start to the campaign, the workload appears to have taken its toll on Havertz, who's pulled out of the Germany squad for the international duty.

The former Chelsea ace will miss Nation League clashes against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Holland due to a knee issue. According to the MailOnline, Havertz' knock is not thought to be serious, which will ease any concerns over a long-term lay-off.

With that being said though, Arsenal face Bournemouth straight after the October break and it remains to be seen whether he'll be available for the trip to the south coast. Then, the following week, the north Londoners will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and Liverpool in the English top-flight.

Speaking to reporters at the weekend after Arsenal defeated Southampton, Arteta was quizzed on Havertz' start to the campaign. The Spaniard said: "He takes the ball and he runs with the ball, he’s going full gas in the high press, he holds the ball.

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"He’s an attacking midfielder, he’s a nine, you don’t know where he is. That’s his football brain. For sure his focus is, 'I’m gonna win the game, I’m gonna do it.' That’s a different thing."

Arteta added: "He is (confident) and he’s practicing every day because he wants more. He’s not satisfied. There is still another level from him. He’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him. You really sense that confidence in him. Now he’s putting it in games and he’s winning football matches which is great."

While Havertz may have picked up a knock, Arteta has been delighted with the German's performances. As it stands, Arsenal are carrying a few injury problems into the international break: Martin Odegaard (ankle), Ben White (groin), Thomas Partey (illness), Jurrien Timber (muscular) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (muscular).