Arsenal already have ready-made Kai Havertz replacement waiting in the wings after injury blow
Mikel Arteta will have to come up with a creative solution to Arsenal’s front line after Kai Havertz picked up a knee injury following the win over Southampton. The German international has been in scintillating goal-scoring form with six goals in ten appearances in all competitions this season.
Arsenal’s medical staff will now assess Havertz over the next couple of days but he’ll play no part in Germany’s international break over the next fortnight as a result of the injury. There’s been no date for an expected return, though the German Football Federation said: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems.
“National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz’s place. Get well soon, Kai! We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!”
The Gunners return to Premier League action on October 19th when they travel to Bournemouth, leaving Arteta with plenty of time to come up with a solution if Havertz is to miss a run of games. The versatile German has operated alongside Gabriel Jesus since the Brazilian’s return to fitness.
Jesus played centrally – for an hour – in the recent win over Southampton and Arteta could bring in Leandro Trossard to fill the void left by Havertz. By doing so, that would allow the Brazilian international to act as more of a focal point against the Cherries.
The Belgian winger has already showcased he has what it takes to play in central areas of the pitch, his ability to take the ball under pressure and eye for goal could be the perfect solution to Havertz’s injury. That is, of course, hoping that he returns from international duty with Belgium unscathed.
Arteta can ill-afford any further injury blows, with Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney all having suffered injuries in recent weeks.
