Mikel Arteta Hints At Striker Role For Kai Havertz In Jesus’ Absence

By The Editor
on 27th October 2023

Mikel Arteta needs to get creative once again…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted at possibly using Kai Havertz in a centre-forward role for an extended period following the latest injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus, the Spaniard told the press.

Jesus will be missing “for a few weeks” according to the boss after hobbling out of our win at Sevilla with a hamstring injury to dampen what was a match-winning display.

Arteta had previously used Eddie Nketiah as a direct replacement, but the Hale End graduate has really struggled in recent weeks and has been without a goal since August.

Havertz has looked bright when given limited minutes as a centre-forward, a position he mainly occupied at Chelsea and continues to do so for the German national team.

With Sheffield United visiting the Emirates Stadium this weekend, it could be a good opportunity to start Havertz as a striker and utilise his height against a low block.

“Yes, we have different profiles,” Arteta said when asked about using the former Leverkusen star up front.

“For Kai, the minutes that he’s played, he’s been really good. It’s good and it’s difficult for the opponent as well to figure out who will play, and I think that’s a positive for us.”

Havertz has always looked like a striker playing in midfield when Arteta utilised him earlier this season, but the £65 million signing has been used sparingly in recent weeks.

The talk surrounding our goalkeeper situation has conveniently shifted the focus off the 24-year-old, though Havertz has only started one league game since Arteta took Aaron Ramsdale out of the side.

Playing as a central striker looks to be the only way Arteta can salvage the idea of signing Havertz with time ticking on the German international to deliver.