Arsenal fans have been given a treat this season with Kai Havertz displaying all that flair and goal-scoring potential. But in that 3-1 win by the Gunners against Southampton, Havertz sustained a bad cruciate knee injury. The injury has especially ruled him out from Arsenal’s squad and the pending international break. The international break, where he was to feature for Germany. There is no set date for his return. So, this might test Mikel Arteta to find someone capable of providing the momentum Arsenal requires at such a point.
Kai Havertz’s Sensational Season Start
Havertz has been a key player in the strong start Arsenal has had into the new season. He scored six goals in ten matches. He proved to be an adaptable player for Arteta by almost seamlessly fitting into various roles in the front line. Most importantly, he has done very well with Gabriel Jesus, allowing this free-flowing attacking system. Wherein Arsenal can apply all sorts of inbound attacks to confuse opposing defenses. The loss of Havertz now, at such a critical point in the season, comes not at the best of times, particularly with such big matches ahead.
In the meanwhile, Arteta has enough replacements for the German to find comfort in. Arsenal’s depth this season is stronger than ever. And, of course, there are enough hidden gems awaiting their first appearance to compensate for the loss of Havertz.
Will It Be Leandro Trossard?
Belgian forward Leandro Trossard is one of the most evident ones. Since Trossard joined the squad when Arsenal transferred him from Brighton, he’s proven to become a solid tool for them. Talent lets him play across the front line. Technical ability makes him a perfect fit for the way Arsenal want to play.
Trossard’s shown that he performs on the grand stage, and, of course, added experience will be helpful for Gunners. Having them give him a chance to compete in the Premier League. Bringing him in could allow Arteta to change things up. Giving him the opportunity to hold onto the fluidity that has been such a huge part of Arsenal’s early success. Trossard can slot in on the left wing, pushing Jesus more centrally, making him slightly more focused in attack. This strategy proved effective in Southampton and may be useful in some of the remaining games. Maybe games such as those against Bournemouth.
Tactical Adjustments After Sidelining Havertz
Given Havertz’s injury, Arteta would have to take a relook at his tactical plan so that Arsenal keeps up its winning rhythm. He can use Gabriel Jesus as the false nine. This way, he’d be dropping down to drop back and create space for wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to exploit. In addition, Arteta may choose to start Leandro Trossard, as the Belgian is not lacking in adaptability to pretty much every attacking role. That will inject quite much-needed creativity into an unstable Arsenal. It may also help make Arsenal more fluid moving forward, and they will gain some needed breathing space as they head into these next matches sans Havertz.
Conclusion
The Gunners next face Bournemouth, on 19 October. And with that Arteta will be given some time to weigh his options and prepare for life without Havertz. This side has been terrible in defense this season, and so, the arsenal attack could easily be impressive against them. Impressive even without their star German forward.
Losing Havertz is a huge blow, but Arsenal’s squad depth and tactical flexibility give them a great deal of choice for coping with the loss of this player. Trossard and others can easily step into the starting lineup and make a difference. And Arteta’s adaptability in his system guarantees that Arsenal remain a force to be reckoned with, no matter the injuries.
The Gunners will surely need to manage their injuries. And also keep the squad fresh while contending for the top spot in the Premier League. If Arsenal proves good enough without Havertz, this would show it is not merely the strength of the squad. But also the determination to compete at the highest level during the season. Anyway it would be exciting for the fans to see how their teams react to this blow. And can they actually cope with it?
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