Kai Havertz underwent “successful” surgery on his season-ending hamstring injury on Saturday, before celebrating Arsenal’s hard-fought win at Leicester with team-mates over FaceTime.
The 25-year-old is the Gunners’ top scorer with 15 goals in all competitions, but his campaign was brought to a premature end by the issue sustained during a training camp in Dubai.
Havertz posted on Instagram that he had gone under the knife over the weekend, with the Germany international’s rehabilitation expected to extend into Arsenal’s preparations for next season.
Posting a photograph from his hospital bed on Sunday, the forward wrote: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.
“Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.
“I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”
Havertz’s injury has compounded the absence of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, leaving Arsenal light as they headed to the King Power Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.
Super-sub Mikel Merino ended up saving the day in the role of makeshift striker, with the midfielder scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over lowly Leicester
It was a key win that helped keep pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool, and defender Jurrien Timber revealed Havertz took part in the post-match celebrations.
“It was very important,” the Netherlands international said. “Everyone knows we are a bit tight up front.
“Losing Kai is massive for us, a big blow for him. He’s been fighting all season for us.
“We can’t wait to have him back. For us now to take on the challenge and win games without him.
“We’ve had him on FaceTime in the dressing room after the match. We’ve spoken to him.”