Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has reportedly suffered a fresh injury setback, casting significant doubt on his availability for the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham. Sources indicate that the 26-year-old German international, who has made only seven appearances this season, is likely dealing with a muscular issue. This new injury sidelines him for Thursday's Premier League match against Brentford and makes him a major doubt for the highly anticipated clash with Spurs on February 22.

This is the latest in a series of injury woes for Havertz, who only recently returned to action last month after recovering from a knee problem sustained on the opening weekend of the campaign. Furthermore, he previously tore his right hamstring in February of the previous year, an injury that forced him to miss the remainder of that season.

The club is already grappling with a substantial list of sidelined players, with Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard, and Bukayo Saka also currently unavailable. These absences come at a critical juncture for Arsenal, who are striving to re-establish a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. The team faces a demanding schedule, with three games packed into a single week: the Premier League fixture against Brentford, an FA Cup fourth-round visit from Wigan, and away games against Wolves and then Tottenham.

The broader context of the Premier League title race remains intense. Manchester City's recent significant win has kept the title race very much alive, prompting Dennis Bergkamp to warn Arsenal against a 'let's not make a mistake' mentality. Moreover, City boss Pep Guardiola has cautioned Arsenal that 'a lot can happen' as the season progresses, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the championship battle.