Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have suffered a massive setback as Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. The German forward sustained the injury during the team’s training camp in Dubai and will now undergo surgery, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
This leaves Mikel Arteta without a recognized striker for the final stretch of the season, making their title challenge against Liverpool even more difficult.
Injury Crisis at Arsenal Deepens
Havertz is not the only key player sidelined. Arsenal are already without:
- Gabriel Jesus – Recovering from ACL surgery.
- Bukayo Saka – Sidelined since December after hamstring surgery.
- Gabriel Martinelli – Suffered a hamstring injury in the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle, expected to be out for at least one month.
Havertz had been Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with nine goals, three more than Martinelli. His absence leaves Arteta with severely limited attacking options as the Gunners enter the most crucial part of the season.
Arsenal’s Failed Transfer Window Comes Back to Haunt Them
Arsenal’s failure to reinforce their attack in January has now become even more costly. Arteta was reportedly “disappointed” after the club missed out on several targets, including:
- Ollie Watkins (Bid rejected by Aston Villa)
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle unwilling to sell)
- Matheus Cunha (Interest didn’t progress)
- Benjamin Sesko & Evan Ferguson (Deals failed to materialize)
Had Arsenal secured a new striker in January, their situation would not be as desperate now.
Who Will Play Up Front for Arsenal Now?
With no natural strikers left, Arteta will have to get creative in his lineup selections. He has suggested that:
- Leandro Trossard – The Belgian forward is likely to take up the false nine role.
- Raheem Sterling (on loan) – Could be used in a more central position.
- Ethan Nwaneri (17 years old) – A highly-rated academy talent who may get more minutes.
With Arsenal still in contention for the Premier League title, Arteta must find a way to adapt—or risk seeing their season fall apart.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal return to Premier League action this Saturday, traveling to face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. With no senior strikers available, Arteta’s tactical adjustments will be under heavy scrutiny.
Can Arsenal survive their injury crisis, or will their title challenge collapse? The coming weeks will define their season.
