Chelsea star Kai Havertz pulls out of Germany squad due to flu

The German Football Association (DFB) announced today that Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz has pulled out of the squad for their international friendly against Belgium.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star is battling the flu and has returned to his club, where he will recover.

Havertz was called up for their friendlies against Peru and Belgium. He started their 2-0 win against the former.

The 23-year-old would likely have started the game against Belgium on Tuesday but will now return to Chelsea, where they will assess him.

It is unclear if he will be fit for Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Havertz was in poor form as his team struggled, failing to find the net between January 15 and March 7.

He finally ended his drought as Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The goal was somewhat fortuitous. Chelsea won a penalty, and Havertz hit the post with his first attempt. 

However, the referee spotted encroachment in the penalty area as he took the kick and ordered a retake. He placed the ball in the same corner but found the back of the net.

Havertz followed that with a fantastic lobbed goal against Leicester City. He also scored another penalty in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Everton before the international break.

Unsurprisingly, his upturn in form coincided with Chelsea’s recent improvement.

However, the Blues could be in the market for a more consistent and better goalscorer. 

Havertz’s seven league goals this season are not enough for a team that should be challenging for the Premier League title based on their transfer spending.

His propensity to blow hot and cold will also concern the decision-makers at the club. They are reportedly targeting strikers this summer, with Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen on their shortlist.