Can Arsenal survive? Havertz injury threatens title and European ambitions

Arsenal’s injury crisis has taken another devastating turn. Kai Havertz, the club’s top scorer this season, has suffered a suspected hamstring tear in training, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.

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. Now, Arsenal’s only remaining striker option has been taken away.

Havertz was not just leading the line, but also covering more ground than almost anyone else in the squad. Only William Saliba and Gabriel have played more minutes 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 ever-present, 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 10 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’s 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 15 goals in all competitions this season. Trossard has scored just once in his last 18 appearances.

The other options are even less convincing. Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, has struggled for form and confidence. His only goal this season came in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, and his missed penalty against Girona summed up his attacking struggles.

Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old academy graduate, has been prolific in limited minutes, but throwing him into the No 9 role would be a huge ask. His best performances have come from wide positions, and Arteta may be reluctant to move him.

Beyond them, Arsenal are short on attacking solutions. Myles Lewis-Skelly or even Kieran Tierney may have to be used further forward. Arteta might also consider repurposing a midfielder, though 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. Now, 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.