Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has suffered a suspected hamstring tear in training, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s squad was already stretched thin. Gabriel Jesus is out for the season, Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and Gabriel Martinelli faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal’s only remaining striker option has now been sidelined.
Only William Saliba and Gabriel have played more minutes than Havertz among outfield players.
His relentless work rate has been vital, with tracking data placing him among the hardest-working forwards in the Premier League.
Fatigue may have played a role in his injury. The German forward has been a regular in the starting XI, taking on a heavy workload in recent weeks.
His efforts in Arsenal’s gruelling win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they played almost an hour with ten men, underlined his importance. But the strain appears to have caught up with him.
Arteta had already been forced into creative solutions, with Havertz playing every game up front since Jesus’ injury. With no recognised striker left, the manager must now find an alternative.
Leandro Trossard looks the most likely candidate. The Belgian has played in a false-nine role before but lacks the goal threat of Havertz, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.
By contrast, Trossard has scored just once in his last 18 appearances.
The other options are even less convincing. Loanee Raheem Sterling has struggled for form and confidence.
His only goal this season came in the League Cup against Bolton Wanderers, and his missed penalty against Girona summed up his attacking struggles.
Teenager Ethan Nwaneri has been prolific in limited minutes, but throwing him into the number nine role would be a huge ask.
His best performances have come from wide positions, and Arteta may be reluctant to move him.
Myles Lewis-Skelly or Kieran Tierney may have to be used further forward. Arteta might also consider repurposing a midfielder, although none have the aerial ability or presence of Havertz.
This crisis raises fresh questions about Arsenal’s January transfer strategy. The club failed in a move for Ollie Watkins and decided against signing a short-term alternative.
The gamble was always risky and it looks like a costly mistake.
Arsenal already trail Liverpool by six points in the Premier League title race. Their Champions League hopes are also on the line.
With Havertz joining an already lengthy injury list, their season has just become even more difficult.
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