Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with the news that top scorer Kai Havertz is set to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. This leaves manager Mikel Arteta without a recognised centre-forward, further straining an already depleted forward line.
Havertz, who has netted 15 goals in all competitions this season, sustained his injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. The camp was designed to give Arteta’s squad some respite following an intensive run of games in January.
Upon returning to London on Tuesday, Arsenal had been assessing Havertz's condition. Scan results confirmed that it is unlikely for him to play again this season. The decision on whether surgery will be required remains pending.
Series of unfortunate injuries
This latest setback adds another layer of complexity for Arteta who expressed disappointment over Arsenal’s failure to bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window after long-term injuries befell Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
In addition, Gabriel Martinelli is expected to be sidelined for several weeks following his hamstring injury incurred during Newcastle's defeat in last week’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
Limited options upfront
With these injuries, only three fit senior forwards remain at Arteta's disposal - Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri - none of whom favour playing as central strikers. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji could potentially step up; however, he has yet to score a league goal after loan spells at Accrington and Cheltenham.
Arteta has previously hinted that 17-year-old Nwaneri may be his preferred choice given his impressive breakthrough season where he scored seven goals. Just last week, Arteta had lauded Havertz’s “robustness” and dismissed concerns about the 25-year-old having to play every game due to Arsenal's failure to sign a striker in January.
Bukayo Saka, who is recovering from hamstring surgery, was seen working out in the gym during the Dubai trip but isn't expected back for at least another month. Concerns also surround Takehiro Tomiyasu who has only played six minutes this season due to a knee injury and did not travel with the team to Dubai. The Japanese defender may face another operation after several setbacks in his recovery process.
