Full Breakdown
Arsenal’s 1-0 Victory Over Newcastle Marred by Injuries to Havertz and Eze
4/26/2026, 12:19:43 AM
Arsenal’s 1-0 Victory Over Newcastle
On 25 April 2026 Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Eberechi Eze scored in the ninth minute after a short-corner assist from Kai Havertz. Havertz was substituted in the 35th minute for Viktor Gyokeres; Eze left in the 54th minute after a precautionary assessment. Bukayo Saka entered late, helping the Gunners preserve the lead.
Injury Background for Havertz and Eze
Havertz entered the season after a torn hamstring in 2024 and a knee injury on the opening weekend of 2025-26, limiting him to nine Premier League appearances before the Newcastle match. He also suffered a hamstring strain during a Dubai training camp in February 2026. Eze’s season record is less documented; the club described his discomfort as a “muscular niggle” and a precautionary ankle issue.
Impact on Upcoming Fixtures
The injuries come before Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on 29 April and a Premier League match with Fulham the following weekend. Missing both attackers could hinder Arsenal’s effort to widen the gap over Manchester City, who hold a game in hand and remain close in the title race.
Official Statements
Arteta described the setbacks as “muscular niggles” and said the club “doesn’t think it’s too much.” He added the medical team would “wait and see if they’re going to be available for Wednesday.” On Saka, Arteta noted the player “looks sharp, looks good, looks fresh” and stressed monitoring his workload.
Criticism & Opposition
Former England defender Gary Neville warned that Newcastle’s eight shots after Arsenal’s goal “could be a worry.” Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp said losing Havertz “makes it more difficult” for Arsenal to rotate attacking options.
Conflicting Reports
Club statements label both problems “muscular niggles.” Other reports describe Havertz’s issue as a “groin injury” and Eze’s as an “ankle problem.” Eze told Sky Sports he was “alright” and left “just precaution.” The exact medical diagnoses remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They are muscular niggles, we don’t think it’s too much,” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
- “Let's see. At the moment they have to be looked after but hopefully they're going to be OK.” — Mikel Arteta, Sky Sports interview
- “Both of them had to come off, I think it was small niggles. We don't know the extent of that. Probably tomorrow we will know more.” — Mikel Arteta, Match of the Day
- “It makes it more difficult,” — Jamie Redknapp, Sky Sports commentary
What’s Next
Arsenal travel to Madrid for the Champions League semi-final second leg on 29 April, then host Fulham in the Premier League. The fitness of Havertz and Eze will be decisive in Arsenal’s pursuit of the league title and European success.
