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Why Is Kai Havertz Not Playing for Germany vs. Serbia in the UEFA Nations League?
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- Why Is Kai Havertz Not Playing for Germany vs. Serbia in the UEFA Nations League?
Kai Havertz will not play for Germany against Serbia in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after suffering a muscle injury during Germany's 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.
The Arsenal striker was substituted after 30 minutes of the first Nations League game, after being tackled by Quinten Timber late in the match in Amsterdam. Medical tests later confirmed a muscle strain, and Havertz was sent home to London for treatment while he was in Germany.
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The injury also kept Havertz sidelined for Germany's September 27 clash with Greece, and he is still not fit for the Allianz Arena clash with Serbia on Thursday.
Why Is Kai Havertz Missing Germany vs. Serbia?
Havertz's absence is thus injury-related and not a tactical choice by Germany coach Jürgen Klopp.
Klopp's first-team squad for Germany included the 27-year-old, who had been added to the squad when the former Liverpool manager became the national team's manager. Havertz was included in the 24-man squad for the first two Nations League games against the Netherlands and Greece, under Klopp's first-team for Germany head coach.
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Germany's Kai Havertz celebrates scoring their seventh goal last week against Curacao.REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
After the injury, the German Football Association confirmed that Havertz would leave the international camp. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Jonathan Burkardt was added to the squad early, and Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz was also added to the group for the later games.
Havertz's injury is especially bad as he was set to play a big attacking role for Klopp after the World Cup in 2026.
When Will Kai Havertz Return for Germany?
There is no confirmed return date for Havertz yet. The first medical evaluation was a muscle strain, and Arsenal will keep an eye on him after he returns to the club.
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This means Havertz will miss Germany's clash with Serbia on October 1 and won't be in the squad for the October 4 return game against Greece in Thessaloniki.
Germany have been forced to make a lot of changes to their squad during this international break, and Jamal Musiala has also been ruled out due to a thigh injury in the Netherlands match. Klopp then brought in more players to replace the injured ones.
Germany's focus is on getting Havertz fit for the Nations League, not risking him. His next chance to play for the national team will be based on his recovery and Arsenal's assessment of the injury.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
