Newcastle United vs Arsenal has become one of the Premier League’s most physical and heated fixtures in recent years. However, fans will miss a familiar rivalry on Sunday as Kai Havertz has been ruled out of the highly anticipated game at St James’ Park.
Intense Rivalry Between Newcastle and Arsenal
Encounters between Newcastle United and Arsenal are rarely short of drama. Since their 0-0 draw in the 2022/23 season, meetings between the two clubs have been marked by physical battles and tense moments.
One player who thrives in these fiery encounters is Dan Burn, the towering Newcastle defender known for his aggressive defending and relentless style. Burn has developed a notable on-pitch rivalry with Kai Havertz, one that will not be renewed this weekend.
Kai Havertz Ruled Out of Newcastle Fixture
Arsenal face a growing injury list ahead of the clash with Newcastle. While doubts remain over Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, one certainty is that Kai Havertz will not feature.
The German forward underwent knee surgery at the end of August and is still in recovery. As a result, his long-standing duels with Burn will not take place at St James’ Park on Sunday.
The Burn vs Havertz Battles
The rivalry between Burn and Havertz stretches back to the German’s Chelsea days. In 2022, Havertz elbowed Burn in a heated contest at Stamford Bridge — an incident that could have easily seen him sent off. That flashpoint sparked a series of confrontations between the two players.
Since then, the pair have clashed repeatedly, including during Arsenal’s win at the Emirates last season, when they had to be separated after a pushing altercation. Their physical battles have become a highlight of the Newcastle vs Arsenal fixture in recent years.
Dan Burn’s Playful Comment on Havertz
Despite their on-pitch rivalry, Burn showed a lighter side when Havertz’s name came up in a Newcastle United social media video. While naming Champions League winners with Bruno Guimarães, Burn jokingly referred to the German forward as “my guy,” before pulling a funny face and laughing with his teammate.
The remark highlighted the mix of competitiveness and respect that often defines football rivalries, even between players who have clashed on several occasions.
Conclusion: Rivalry on Hold Until Future Meetings
With Havertz sidelined, Sunday’s Newcastle United vs Arsenal clash will lack one of its fiercest individual duels. Still, the fixture promises intensity as both teams battle for crucial Premier League points. Fans will have to wait for another chapter in the Burn vs Havertz rivalry — one that is sure to reignite when the German forward returns to action.
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