Three players who can replace Kai Havertz for Arsenal after knee injury sees striker miss games
Arsenal fans have been handed some concerning news before any of the international games of this break have even kicked off. Kai Havertz has withdrawn from the Germany squad for their Nations League matches due to a reported knee issue.
The forward has been Mikel Arteta’s chosen centre-forward for the start of the season, dislodging Gabriel Jesus and keeping the Brazilian on the bench. He has scored in seven Emirates Stadium home matches in a row, with his latest the important equaliser against Southampton last Saturday afternoon.
Very little is known about the severity of the problem, but in his stead, the Gunners have several options should they need to replace him.
Gabriel Jesus
The first is the obvious and aforementioned Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian started the game with Southampton but endured a tricky performance, failing to both create much for his teammates and take any opportunities of his own as the Saints put on a strong defensive display.
Made worse was as he was replaced by Leandro Trossard, the Gunners managed to quickly score again to give themselves the lead. It might be though that a run of games will allow the former Manchester City player to find his form under Arteta.
Leandro Trossard
Trossard has been deputising for another key absentee over the past few weeks, Martin Odegaard. However, should Havertz not be available and the Spaniard wishes to instead choose someone other than Jesus then the Belgian is of course a good option who has played the role many times for the Gunners.
Leaving the midfield position, should the club captain not make it back after the international break will require a potential change in there too. Ethan Nwaneri is the name that many fans want to see find his way into the starting eleven before too long after some impressive cameos.
Raheem Sterling
Last but not least is Raheem Sterling who also made his first start of the Premier League season from the left against Southampton. He had a much better game than his fellow former City teammate Jesus but was unable to chip in with a goal or an assist.
Sterling, despite being known as mainly a wide player, has played as a central figure for both Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea. He has played more than 60 times in the central role scoring 25 and assisting a further ten.
