Top Contenders Who Could Replace Injured Kai Havertz At No.9 For Arsenal

Advertisement

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have a new problem at their hands.

After Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury against Manchester United in a recent FA Cup tie, Kai Havertz was the only striker who could play as the talisman but now it has come to light that the German has suffered a hamstring injury and will be sidelined till the end of the season. This injury was sustained last week in Dubai during a training session. Certain tests and assessments have uncovered that Havertz requires a surgery in the coming days which will allow him to complete his recovery programme as scheduled.

This injury has come at a crucial time when Arsenal was supposed to go for the kill in the second half of the season as Liverpool have looked jittery in previous weeks and have also dropped points in the process. Right now, Arsenal sit seven points behind leaders Liverpool in 2nd place. 

The winter window wasn’t especially very happening as many rumours were there but no signing took place. It is evident that Arsenal are on the lookout for a striker but things couldn’t materialise with any player as of the january window. Arsenal has been linked with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Jonathan David for the No.9 position but still no deal has been striked between any player and the club. 

Kai Havertz’ replacement within the club

As the window has ended, no signing is possible now until the start of the next season. Let’s look at how the forward line of Arsenal could look like: Only Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri are fit to play amongst the lot. While Leandro Trossard has featured regularly this season for Arsenal, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri have recently started to get minutes. This could be a test for Sterling as well who needs to prove that he can play for the full 90 minutes. 

Leandro Trossard is the closest to Kai Havertz who can replace him at being a False no.9 or playing as a ball playing Centre Forward. 

With injuries to Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and now Havertz, the Gunners squad looks depleted with so many injuries to the attacking line of the Gunners that it might become a possibility that Arteta turns towards the Arsenal Youth Academy for some good upcoming talents upfront.

Raheem Sterling can also play as a False No.9 as he has already done in Premier League title winning seasons with Manchester City but this was 4-5 seasons ago and we haven’t seen much of Raheem Sterling in Arsenal’s shirt and the age factor might also be crucial. 

Kai Havertz’ replacement outside the club

Arsenal could also go looking for a free agent that can possibly solve the attacking problems as a temporary fix till the end of the season. Arteta  can go in for Carlos Vela or Diego Costa with both having ample experience of the Premier League along with great attacking prowess. 

These are some methods Arsenal can sustain their title race while applying pressure on Liverpool with each passing matchweek.

Advertisement