Arsenal are assessing a knee injury suffered by Kai Havertz and could attempt to bring in a replacement if the Germany forward faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Havertz, who came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, did not take part in an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning. It is not clear exactly when the 26-year-old picked up the injury but it is understood that Arsenal are concerned that he could be absent for an extended period, even if the early indications are that it is not extremely serious.
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That would leave Mikel Arteta with the new signing Viktor Gyökeres as the only available recognised striker on his squad, with Gabriel Jesus not expected to return from a knee injury in the near future. Arsenal have previously shown an interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze but the England forward looks close to joining Tottenham and was seen as an option for the left wing or in an attacking midfield role.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal, who have spent almost £200m on six new signings this summer, attempt to bring in another No 9 should Havertz be ruled out for a significant spell. Mikel Merino filled in when Havertz missed 18 matches last season after suffering a hamstring injury in February, and the Spain midfielder scored seven goals from then until May.
Arteta insisted earlier this month that Havertz still had an important role to play in his squad despite the arrival of Gyökeres for a fee that could reach up to £64m. “Although it doesn’t seem like there is a natural place for him at the moment, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t play as many if not more games as Gyökeres,” the manager said. “That’s because he knows the system and he’s proven it for Arsenal in the league and in Europe as well. They’ll offer something completely different, which is exactly what Arsenal need.”
Arsenal are still hoping to move on a number of fringe players before the end of the transfer window. Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko both have interest from Porto, with Italian clubs having also been linked to the Poland defender.
