Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have suffered a major blow after star forward Kai Havertz was ruled out for the rest of the season. The club confirmed on February 13 that Havertz needs surgery for a hamstring injury he picked up during a training session in Dubai last week. His recovery will stretch into next season’s preseason, leaving Arsenal without their top scorer (15 goals this season) for the final 14 league games.
The injury comes at the worst possible time for Arsenal, who are seven points behind league leaders Liverpool. With Gabriel Jesus already out for the season due to a hamstring injury last week, and wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined, manager Mikel Arteta has almost no attacking options left. The club failed to sign a striker in January after bids for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and others were rejected. Fans are now asking how Arsenal will score enough goals to catch Liverpool.
Who Steps Up Now?
Arteta will rely on a makeshift attack of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Trossard has played as a “false nine” before, while Sterling might get his first real chance to shine since joining from Chelsea. Nwaneri, a teenage talent, could see his minutes skyrocket despite limited experience. Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith called the situation a “nightmare,” saying even a fully fit squad would struggle to close the gap on Liverpool.
The pressure is on Sterling to deliver. Once a star for Manchester City and England, he’s been a backup at Arsenal this season. Arteta told him to “go out and enjoy” his sudden starting role. Meanwhile, fans hope Nwaneri becomes the next big thing. As Sky Sports’ Paul Merson said, “This is what superstars are made of”.
Why Did This Happen?
Havertz’s injury has sparked criticism. How does a player tear a hamstring during a warm-weather training camp meant to boost fitness? Merson called it “unacceptable,” questioning if proper warm-ups were done. Others blame Arsenal’s thin squad. The club sold backup forwards Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe last summer, leaving them exposed when injuries hit.
Arsenal’s medical staff faces scrutiny too. The team has lost over 650 days to injuries this season, the fifth-worst in the Premier League. Most of those absences are attackers, including Saka (out since December) and Martinelli (out until March). With tough games against Manchester United and Chelsea ahead, Arsenal’s depth will be tested like never before.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The club might look for free agents to sign as emergency strikers, but options are slim. Arteta admitted he’s “disappointed” the January window closed without new signings. Long-term targets like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko could be summer priorities.
For now, Arsenal must make do with what they have. Trossard’s creativity and Sterling’s speed could help, but neither is a natural goal-scorer. Youngsters like 15-year-old Max Dowman (too young to play in the league) and Khayon Edwards might train with the first team to fill gaps. Even defender Kieran Tierney has been used as a winger lately.
A Season on the Edge
Arsenal’s title dreams now look “nigh-on impossible,” according to Alan Smith. The team hasn’t won the Premier League since 2004 and finished second in the last two years. This injury crisis could end their chances for good.
Fans are left wondering: Could this have been avoided? The answer isn’t clear. But one thing is certain—Arsenal’s fight for glory just got a lot harder. With Havertz gone, the next few months will show if the Gunners can turn desperation into inspiration.
