NIGERIA: EPL Title Hopes In Jeopardy As Arsenal’s Havertz Ruled Out For The Season

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions have taken a major hit following reports that German forward Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn hamstring.

Havertz sustained the injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai and was due for further tests upon the club’s return to England.

According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old has suffered significant damage, leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad further depleted in their chase for their first league title in 21 years.

Arsenal have yet to make an official statement on the extent of the injury, but Havertz’s absence could be a critical blow to Arteta’s tactical plans, particularly after the club failed to strengthen their attacking options in the January transfer window.

The Gunners made an attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but were unsuccessful.

The forward line crisis worsens as Gabriel Jesus has already been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, while Bukayo Saka has not played since December.

There is some hope that Saka may return next month, but Gabriel Martinelli remains sidelined after picking up an injury in Arsenal’s League Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle.

With Havertz out, Arsenal are left with just three recognised forwards—Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

The pressure now mounts on Arteta, who had previously hinted that Havertz might have to play every game for the rest of the season.

Currently sitting second in the Premier League, Arsenal trail leaders Liverpool by six points, having played a game more.

With a depleted squad and a crucial fixture away to Leicester this weekend, Arteta will be forced to find creative solutions to keep the Gunners’ title hopes alive.