Havertz loss dents Arsenal’s title aspirations

Arsenal decided to take advantage of the EFL Carabao Cup break to get away from cold, wet and miserable London and spend a few days training in Dubai. The Gunners were eliminated from the cup competition by Newcastle, losing their semi-final by an aggregate score of 4-0

Mikel Arteta’s team flew out to the Gulf state for a few days of warm-weather training at the NAS Sports Complex but trip proved to be a costly one as Kai Havertz joined a growing injury list.

Havertz to miss the rest of the season

The German forward suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season - further depleting Arsenal’s attacking options as we enter the decisive part of the campaign.

Three of the team’s top goal scorers this season are already in the casualty room: Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) and Bukayo Saka (hamstring). The decision not to sign a forward in recent transfer windows, a move which has been questioned, is once again causing a stir, especially now that the winter market has closed.

Currently, Arteta’s attacking options are limited to Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and emerging star Ethan Nwaneri. With a packed schedule ahead, the manager may also need to delve into the reserves.

Who could Arsenal sign?

The only other alternative would be to reinforce the squad temporarily with players who are free agents. Potential candidates include Carlos Vela, who previously played for the club and is now a free agent after leaving LAFC; Mariano Díaz, who at 31 is still without a club and showed promise in Ligue 1; and Diego Costa, whose signing would certainly surprise many due to his past with Chelsea.

For now, Arteta will rely on Sterling, Trossard, and Nwaneri as his main attacking options for Saturday’s Premier League match against Leicester. Arsenal are currently second on 50 points, behind Liverpool, who extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points after an exhilarating 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison on Wednesday night.

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